San Francisco 49ers defensive end Bryce Huff is determined to prove that last season with the Philadelphia Eagles was an anomaly. After tallying just 2.5 sacks in 2024, the 49ers acquired Huff as part of the team's significant offseason defensive line overhaul. His goal is to return to the dominant form he displayed in 2023 with the New York Jets, when he recorded 10 sacks and established himself as one of the NFL's emerging edge rushers.
Since joining the 49ers, Huff has quickly familiarized himself with the team's defensive scheme and coaching staff, showing flashes of his potential during training camp.
"I'm pretty well acclimated," Huff told reporters after Tuesday's practice. "It's camp, so we all just are grinding, just learning the scheme, and getting our routines locked down. So it's been good."
A better fit with the 49ers
Huff credits the 49ers' coaching staff—led by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, his former head coach with the Jets—for putting him in a position to succeed. San Francisco has returned him to a hand-in-the-dirt role, something Philadelphia moved him away from despite his previous success.
"Yeah, rushing with my hand down is definitely what I'm supposed to be doing," Huff explained. "It's a lot more physical style of ball. You don't have to think as much. Just go out there and be an athlete and make plays, so it's definitely a [better] fit."
Huff reported to training camp feeling strong and explosive, and the early practices have reflected that. He looks comfortable in his role and confident in his understanding of what the coaching staff expects.
"Just burn off the ball, setting good edges, and then just being explosive, making plays," Huff said of his focus for 2025.
Early impressions of Bosa and Williams
Huff also shared his thoughts on two key defensive line teammates—All-Pro veteran Nick Bosa and first-round draft pick Mykel Williams.
"They [are] both guys that love to work," Huff said. "They're both freak athletes. Bosa's been dominating the league for a long time. Mykel, coming in rookie year, he's gonna be a dominant player. So, it's been great to rush with them and play with them this camp."
While Huff acknowledges their body types and skill sets are different, he believes they complement each other perfectly, which should excite the 49ers, who failed to pressure opposing quarterbacks consistently last season.
"We do have pretty different body types, but it's the same mindset—just get off on the ball," Huff added. "When it comes to speed rushes, burning edges, having good hands, and then when it comes to power, just being physical."
If Huff, Bosa, and Williams click as expected, San Francisco's retooled defensive front could be vastly improved this season.