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Scott Spratt of Football Outsiders, in a feature for ESPN, ranks four NFL teams ahead of the San Francisco 49ers when it comes to their under-25-year-old talent heading into the 2020 season. They are the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills.
The blue-chip players who contributed to the 49ers' ranking are defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Bosa contributed to the 49ers defense's much-improved pass rush, finishing last season with 62 quarterback hurries, according to Football Outsiders. That number will differ depending on the source you reference.
"However, the team also saw pressure from its defensive tackles, which is why the explosive Kinlaw was a perfect team fit and a critical piece to replace the traded DeForest Buckner," notes Spratt.
He notes that Warner may not receive the same recognition as others like Tremaine Edmunds of the Buffalo Bills or Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts. Still, he feels the 49ers linebacker is in the same class.
"His 67% coverage success rate in 2019 was better than those contemporaries and fourth-best among qualifiers at his position," wrote Spratt.
One last defender to note is 24-year-old Emmanuel Moseley, who allowed just 6.3 yards per pass while posting a 62% coverage success rate.
On offense, Spratt mentions offensive tackle Justin Skule, who earned a 3.3% blown-block rate last season, before discussing Samuel.
"Deebo Samuel finished third among heavily targeted wide receivers with 8.3 average yards after the catch in his rookie season," wrote Spratt. "And with Samuel likely hurt to start this season, rookie Aiyuk and Jalen Hurd -- a former college running back -- can replace that production with their similar skill sets."
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