Bradley Chubb racked up a rookie-leading 12 sacks with the Denver Broncos in 2018. He was the first pass rusher selected in his draft class.
Nick Bosa, the No. 2 overall pick this year, was the first pass rusher off the board in his draft class. Expectations are high for the San Francisco 49ers defensive end, but can he top the sack total Chubb accomplished during his rookie campaign? Shaun O'Hara of NFL Network believes he can.
"I think that Nick Bosa has more (than 12 sacks)," O'Hara told Scott Hanson on NFL Total Access. "Here's what I look at: His brother Joey (of the Los Angeles Chargers), 10.5 sacks in just 12 games. Remember, he held out and missed the first four games. I think Nick is actually a more athletic rusher, and he's a little bit better off the edge than his brother."
Bosa will be complemented by defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who recorded a career-high 12 sacks last season. The 49ers also added pass rusher Dee Ford, who racked up a career-high 13 sacks with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018.
Hanson notes that the rookie record for single-season sacks is 14.5, which was set by former Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse in 1999. Bosa surpassing Chubb's total of 12 would bring him close to that record.