49ers DE Nick Bosa: ‘I’m by far in the best shape that I’ve ever been’

The reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, is getting a lot more work done this offseason. That could mean trouble for opposing offenses and an even more impressive season than his rookie campaign when he racked up nine regular-season and four postseason sacks.

Bosa's offseason and training camp last year were hampered by hamstring and ankle injuries. Before that, he was coming off surgery to repair a core muscle injury. That didn't allow Bosa to maximize his offseason training with his brother and trainer.

Throw into that the hectic schedule of visiting with NFL teams leading to the draft, and it makes the defender's accomplishments during his first NFL season even more impressive.

"I feel like I'm by far in the best shape that I've ever been," Bosa told reporters last week. "I don't look much different because we don't train to body build. We train to play football, and I think it will show."

Bosa hopes to make a leap during his second NFL season, and that includes having a better plan while entering games.

"Last year, I didn't really know what was going to work, and what wasn't, and what was my go-to," Bosa explained. "Just coming into games with a better plan, and not wasting any time out there because you only get so many opportunities.

"You want to get those big numbers and help your team as best you can and get the ball out. You have to come in with a plan and not waste any rushes, so that's one big thing.

"And then just working my hands more consistently. I win a lot at the top of my rush, but a lot of the times, I get washed by the quarterback. I don't close enough space and finish the play. So, that's probably been the biggest emphasis for me, and I've been working (on) that in walk-throughs and in drills all season.

"A couple of new moves that I might add, and those are the main things, really."