San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa is eager to take the field and showcase the team's revamped defensive line. Last season, the unit struggled to generate a pass rush consistently, and the 49ers hope they've adequately addressed that issue during the offseason.
The defensive line has undergone so many changes that Bosa found it difficult to recall which players are returning from last season. Despite the turnover, he believes the new additions will deliver the results the team has long sought.
"I really like the new guys," Bosa told reporters in the 49ers locker room ahead of Thursday's practice. "I think we've improved. I think Leonard brings something to our defense that we haven't had, a guy who could make plays all over the field and has just a motor that he doesn't get tired."
Bosa was referring to defensive end Leonard Floyd, a free agent acquisition who is expected to anchor the line opposite him. Floyd has been a consistent force in recent years, recording at least nine sacks in each of the past four seasons and hitting double digits twice during that span.
"So having a guy like that, who's super long and athletic and could rush, I think this scheme is going to bring the best out of him," Bosa added. "So I'm excited. I really am."
Bosa is confident that Floyd has adjusted well and expects the veteran pass rusher to have the best season of his career. However, he acknowledges that it can be challenging for newcomers to fully grasp the defensive scheme, especially without the benefit of offseason practice reps, as was the case for trade additions Chase Young and Randy Gregory last season.
Luckily, Floyd enjoyed a full offseason with the 49ers.
"I think [defensive line coach] Kris [Kocurek] went out and picked guys that he's seen over many years, who jump out and play this scheme really well," Bosa shared. "So I think we're going to be a little more cohesive as a unit."
What an honor
The 49ers named their eight team captains for the season, and while Bosa missed out last year—largely due to his extended contract holdout—he's among the captains for the 2024 season.
When asked what the honor means to him, Bosa joked, "I heard we got a parking spot," before continuing, "It's great. Being a captain on a team like this, with so many unbelievable players that have done such great things in this league, it's an honor. I just want to live up to it, so I'm going to work hard and be the best leader that I can."
