San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa spoke with reporters following Wednesday's practice as the team gets closer to the end of Phase Three of the offseason program. The organized team activities (OTAs), which began last week, have allowed the offense and defense to face off in practice—though still without contact.
As part of the 49ers' offseason roster overhaul, the team used a first-round draft pick to add promising defensive end Mykel Williams. Bosa and Williams have been working closely throughout the offseason, and the young pass rusher is expected to contribute early after the departure of several veteran defensive linemen.
So far, Bosa is impressed with what he's seen from the rookie.
"I'm seeing a lot of talent, a lot of eagerness to learn, more so than I've seen probably from any young guy," Bosa said. "He just wants to learn as much as he can, and I'm excited to give all the knowledge I can to him. I think he's got a ton of talent, so the sky's the limit."
Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek echoed those sentiments on Tuesday, highlighting Bosa's growing role as a mentor to Williams, which he believes will help accelerate the rookie's development.
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"Mykel being a sponge, and trying to ask Nick a lot of questions," Kocurek said, "and Nick pulling a young rookie to the side and giving him small pointers on what he could do better to help him be successful."
Bosa sees plenty of upside in Williams, especially when it comes to his impressive physical tools.
"Just length, size, explosiveness, all the things you want—strength, physicality," Bosa said. "He's got it all."
When asked who served as a mentor to him when he first entered the NFL, Bosa credited defensive lineman DeForest Buckner for setting the standard.
"Buckner was probably the best leader, and did everything the right way," Bosa reflected.
When asked what stood out about what he learned from Buckner, Bosa said, "Just how to go about your business as an NFL player, just all around. No specific thing, but just how he worked at practice, how he took practice seriously."
Bryce Huff addition earns Bosa's seal of approval
Another key addition to the 49ers' defensive line this offseason was the trade for defensive end Bryce Huff, who spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles after starting his career with the New York Jets.
Bosa expressed enthusiasm about working alongside the veteran pass rusher, whom he already respected.
"He was one of the guys that I liked to really watch when he was with the Jets," Bosa admitted. "And obviously, it didn't work out with the Eagles, but you take a guy who's playing a four-down-attack front, and then you put him in as an outside backer, it's not always gonna work out so great.
"He's really elite at a certain thing, so we're gonna use him that way, and I'm excited to see it."
A near family reunion?
Bosa also touched on the 49ers' interest in his brother, Joey Bosa, this offseason. While Joey ultimately signed with the Buffalo Bills, Nick hinted that the 49ers may have been in the mix—at least for a moment.
When asked if a Bosa brothers reunion in San Francisco ever felt like a real possibility, Nick replied, "Maybe for five minutes on the phone with ... maybe I can't say that ... but maybe for a moment."
Nick admitted the idea of teaming up with his older brother was exciting.
"But business is business, and I'm happy for him," Nick added. "He's got a pretty good opportunity over there."
As for who would have worn No. 97 had Joey signed with the 49ers, Nick didn't hesitate: "Me."