Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus ranked the top defenses in the NFL heading into the 2020 season and listed Saleh's unit tops above all others. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers came in at No. 2 and 3, respectively.
"The 49ers fielded the most improved defense of the 2019 season after going from 26th in EPA per play allowed in 2018 to second in 2019," wrote Treash. "And they deservedly lock up the No. 1 spot here ahead of the 2020 campaign.
"For starters, they have arguably the best pass-rush unit in the league. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa leads the way, and he will look to get his play to elite status in Year 2 after posting an 86.7 PFF grade in 2019 that ranked 11th at the position. Bosa's 80 total pressures over the regular season also smashed the PFF record for most total pressures by a first-year edge defender."
Treash also notes the addition of Pro Football Focus' top interior defensive lineman in this year's draft class, Javon Kinlaw. While the rookie has struggled at times during training camp, there is no denying his size and raw potential. The first-year big-man is expected to help plug up the middle and offset the loss of DeForest Buckner.
"The South Carolina product has some incredible pop behind his hands and is an impressive athlete for a human of his size," wrote Treash. "And even with a relative lack of pass-rush moves, he still managed to produce a 90.7 pass-rush grade in 2019, third in the FBS."
Then you have the 49ers pass defense, which ranked No. 1 in the NFL last season and is led by savvy veteran Richard Sherman.
"At 31 years of age and just a couple of years removed from a torn Achilles, Sherman was the highest-graded cornerback in coverage last season," added Treash. "He allowed 35 yards or less in all but one regular-season game, routinely shutting down his side of the field."
The competition for the starting cornerback spot opposite Sherman is ongoing. While Emmanuel Moseley has to be considered the favorite to win the job, Treash notes that a healthy Jason Verrett may make an impact in 2020.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan excited about Jordan James heading into 2026 season
Jordan James saw limited action for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2025 season, playing just three offensive snaps—all coming in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts. He added 14 offensive snaps in the playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, including his first career... -
49ers vs. Seahawks PFF grades: Best and worst from the playoff game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers' season came to a disappointing end Saturday night with a 41-6 loss to the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Here are the best and worst... -
Kyle Shanahan turns Seahawks trash talk into motivation for 49ers playoff push
A trip to the NFC Championship Game should be motivation enough for the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare for Saturday night's Divisional Round playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. But just in case, head coach Kyle Shanahan made sure his team had a little extra fuel... -
How Eric Kendricks became an instant force multiplier for the 49ers defense
When a veteran signs with an NFL team late in the season, it's often as a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option—a short-term fix after injuries pile up. That may have been the initial expectation when the San Francisco 49ers signed linebacker Eric Kendricks in November....