Help to Replace DeForest Buckner

With having to keep so many talented players and having only so much room to spend to do it, the San Francisco 49ers had to move on from DeForest Buckner in the offseason.

The impact Buckner provided the 49ers since being drafted in 2016 was nothing short of phenomenal. His impact increased since 2018 as he totaled 129 combined tackles (26 for loss), 19.5 sacks, 34 QB hits, two forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and five pass deflections.

It’s not going to be easy to accomplish, but the 49ers will need to find ways to replace that level of impact. It’s almost certainly not going to come from just one player either. However, Javon Kinlaw will be able to help.

It may take time for Kinlaw to reach a level near what Buckner provided from an individual standpoint and it’s far from a guarantee it ever even happens. It doesn’t hurt to immediately have a talented prospect to step in and help fill the void though.