The 49ers claimed another top spot — the best edge defender duo in the NFL. San Francisco's ranking, though, actually includes three players, which makes it the only team in the top five list with that consideration. Those players are Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, and Arik Armstead.
Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus admits to cheating a bit with the 49ers' ranking at No. 1 but notes that San Francisco's trio of edge rushers is just too good not to include all three players.
Bosa, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year from this past season, was even better than advertised in his first NFL campaign.
"Edge defenders aren't supposed to step into the NFL and perform at an elite level in their first season," wrote Linsey, "but nobody told Bosa that — his 80 regular-season pressures were more than any rookie since the PFF era began in 2006 and were good enough to rank sixth among all defenders last season, tied with the human outlier Aaron Donald. Bosa's 17.2% pressure rate was fourth among all players with 250 or more pass-rushing snaps on the season, as well."
Then you have a dangerous combination of Ford and Armstead across from Bosa. Despite some injury issues that plagued him throughout the 2019 season, Ford was still an impact player when he was on the football field.
"Even in a limited capacity, he still put up an 81.7 pass-rushing grade during the regular season with 25 pressures on just 163 pass-rushing snaps," explained Linsey. "If a healthy knee means a season reminiscent of Ford's 2018 campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs (78 total pressures and a pass-rush grade of 91.1), then a great 49ers pass rush becomes even better."
The 49ers signed Armstead to a massive five-year deal this offseason, ensuring that the former first-round pick remains with the team for the foreseeable future. His 89.6 overall grade tied for the fifth-best among 102 qualifying edge defenders.
"He put forth a monstrous effort against the run and the best effort of his career as a pass-rusher," writes Linsey, "particularly down the stretch, where his 42 pressures from Week 10 through 17 ranked third among all NFL defenders over that period."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Bears PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 12-4 after a 42-38 win against the Chicago Bears in Week 17. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers: Offense Luke... -
49ers add explosiveness to offense in PFF's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area appearing to wind down. But head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may also use the 2026 NFL Draft to add another weapon... -
49ers add big-play potential in 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers offense has been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, led by standout quarterback Brock Purdy. Still, with uncertainty at the wide receiver position, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may look to add some explosive playmakers in... -
49ers vs. Seahawks: NFL insider suggests Trent Williams may miss Week 18
The San Francisco 49ers may be without left tackle Trent Williams—quarterback Brock Purdy's most trusted protector—when they face the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night at Levi's Stadium. The Week 18 matchup will decide the NFC West champion and the NFC's No. 1 seed, giving...