How much better? Baldinger believes Bosa is a candidate for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.
"I think, honestly, in talking to players that have played with Nick Bosa in practice, and talking to oppositions that have had to block him," Baldinger said on the Bonta, Steiny & Guru show, "I believe -- and I was with a general manager last night talking about pass rushers and, specifically, Nick Bosa -- I think he's got a very good chance to be the defensive MVP of this league. I think he has that kind of talent.
"And I think he plays with that type of effort that he can swing any game on any play with his ability to get to the quarterback, draw holding calls, you name it. Look, if the 49ers pull off that Super Bowl game, he might very well have been the Super Bowl MVP the way he played in that game."
Bosa had four postseason sacks, including reaching Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIV. That came after a rookie regular-season campaign that saw the young defender rack up nine sacks, 47 tackles, 16 for a loss, 25 quarterback hits, an interception, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
"He is probably a top-10 player in this league," Baldinger continued. "You can't say that because he only has 18 to 19 games under his belt right now. But, I think, at this time next year, we could be talking about the premiere defensive player in this league."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch: 49ers plan to make it 'very attractive' for Robert Saleh to stay
The San Francisco 49ers are focused on closing out the regular season strong and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. Still, one offseason storyline is already drawing attention—and could surface even before the postseason ends. What happens with defensive... -
49ers LB Fred Warner eyes playoff return: "I've got a chance"
Fred Warner isn't ruling out a postseason return. The San Francisco 49ers linebacker suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6—an injury initially believed to be season-ending. However, recent reports indicate that if the 49ers advance deep into the playoffs,... -
Only one 49ers player named to Barnwell's 2025 NFL All-Pro team
ESPN's Bill Barnwell released his 2025 NFL All-Pro team, and only one San Francisco 49ers player earned a spot: veteran left tackle Trent Williams (first-team roster). Helping Williams' cause was his ability to stay healthy this season—mostly. The All-Pro suffered a... -
49ers Notebook: Inside the frantic final play against the Bears; Former Bear Jake Tonges has a night to remember; What makes Kyle Shanahan a great playcaller?
Sunday night's 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears was one to remember for the San Francisco 49ers, who now stand at 12-4 with one more win needed to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both offenses putting up big...