The San Francisco 49ers' rookie pass rusher, Nick Bosa, is passing the eyeball test from evaluators. Apparently, he's also passing the analytics test. Bosa rates as the NFL's most productive pass rusher among defenders with at least 40 pass-rushing attempts, according to Pro Football Focus.
PFF's pass-rushing productivity rating is calculated using a formula that combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to how many times a player rushes the passer, according to the analytics site. Bosa's rating comes in at 14.0, thanks to his 17 total pressures on 68 pass-rush snaps.
Of course, determining pressures is subjective. For example, Pro Football Reference lists Bosa as having nine total pressures this season — a significant difference. Still, assuming PFF is treating pass rushes the same from one player to another, it is interesting to see the inexperienced Bosa ranked so high.
Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns comes in at No. 2 with a 12.8 pass-rushing productivity rating. He and Bosa each have 17 pressures, but Garrett took 18 more pass-rush snaps to get there than Bosa. Garrett, however, has six sacks through three games, including five in the first two weeks of the season, compared to Bosa's one.
That lone sack came during the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which happened to be Bosa's highest-graded game from PFF.
While the rookie saw a drop in his grade over the next two games, he hasn't exactly been at full strength this season. Bosa has been dealing with the lingering effects of the ankle sprain he suffered early in training camp. He is hopeful that the 49ers' early bye week will help him finally get past the injury.
"I'm definitely going to take full advantage of this time off, and hopefully, my ankle will be an afterthought after this week," Bosa said this week on 95.7 The Game.
Added Bosa: "It's obviously something that nags a little bit, and you feel it out there, but I've been able to push through it and help the team, and we're 3-and-0, so it worked out well."
Bosa played college football at Ohio State, and the 49ers made him the No. 2 overall pick in April. He has registered four combined tackles and a sack through three games and one start this season.
H/t to David Lombardi of The Athletic for the find.