The San Francisco 49ers announced on May 30 that former NFL linebacker Chad Brown would be among the nine individuals to be part of the team's 2019 Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship. This is Brown's fourth NFL "internship," and he is assisting in coaching the defensive line.
Brown joined "Good Morning Football" on Tuesday and shared his thoughts on the defensive front heading into the 2019 season. The team bolstered its pass rush this offseason with the additions of veteran Dee Ford and rookie Nick Bosa to complement defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
"There's certainly a lot of talent," Brown said. "In that defensive line room, five first-round picks. It's literally the most talented room I've ever been in. Remember, I was part of that Steelers linebacker core back in Blitzburgh. We were pretty good. These guys have a chance to be even better."
The five first-round picks along the defensive line are Bosa (2019), Buckner (2016), Ford (2014, Chiefs), Solomon Thomas (2017), and Arik Armstead (2015).
The 49ers traded for Ford in March and selected Bosa with the No. 2 overall pick in April. Ford racked up a career-high 13 sacks last year with the Kansas City Chiefs. Buckner got to the quarterback a career-high 12 times himself. Bosa recorded 17.5 sacks in just over two seasons with Ohio State.
"As far as Nick Bosa, I think the hamstring injury he had back in OTAs slowed him down a little bit, but his college career was fantastic," Brown continued. "He played for a great coach at Ohio State, a great program. So I think he has what it takes to be a great NFL player, but it's fantastic that (with) five first rounders, it's not all on him. It's not about what he does. It's about what that group does together. I think together, they're going to create so many issues for offensive lines."