4. Defensive Lineman DeForest Buckner
The third-year defensive pro only gets better with each season as he’s already matched his career-high in a season with his sixth sack of the season in just ten weeks.
In a season where the team continues to try and find a consistent pass rushing specialist, Buckner has taken it upon himself to take over that role. He accounts for nearly one-fourth of the team’s sacks and is just one shy of doubling the second-place contenders to the sack lead.
Buckner is the force that makes this defensive line work, and that brings this front seven together. He commands double teams and significant attention from the opposing offense each week as he’s that much of a force.
The 49ers defensive line is beginning to improve with each week as they’re tied for 12th in the league in sacks. However, they benefit significantly from Buckner’s strong play this year as a defensive stalwart. And with the likelihood that they can end up with another pass rusher in this upcoming Draft in either Nick Bosa or Ed Oliver.
The 49ers pass rush, and defensive line can only go up from here. And Buckner is making sure this unit gets to their full potential.