The San Francisco 49ers have drafted 19 players over the past two years, infusing their roster with youth and potential. Nine of those have been rookies, giving returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh plenty of talent to mold as he works to transform the revamped defense into a dominant NFL unit.

For Saleh, this isn't the first time he's guided a young defensive group. Reflecting on his previous stint with the 49ers, the coach remembers one rookie who stood out among the rest, contributing immediately—defensive end Nick Bosa.


"I'm going to be honest, Bosa was such a rare rookie," Saleh said Friday. "He was already way ahead of it, just the pedigree he's come from. He's come from a whole family line of how to prepare, eat, and how to take care of your body."

Bosa's impact was undeniable from the start. He earned a Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, setting the tone for future success.

Now, with six NFL seasons under his belt, Bosa is widely regarded as one of the league's elite edge rushers. Saleh sees a player who has only grown sharper and more disciplined over time.

"Now, from a repertoire standpoint, just understanding football, his pass rush moves and all that, and his awareness of things around him, it's obviously a lot further along," Saleh explained. "In terms of just his demeanor and his preparation, all of it's been spot on."

On Friday, Bosa was a constant presence in practice, registering five would-be sacks during team drills, including three on a single drive. Quarterback Brock Purdy appreciates the challenge of facing a premier pass rusher like Bosa on a daily basis, knowing it helps prepare him for the season ahead.


"So, to have him every single rep, and feeling his presence 24/7, honestly, it's great work for all of us, myself included," Purdy said. "Throwing with a push in the pocket, and having to have different arm angles around him, it's all real. So, for him to give us a look like that, realistically, like every single play that he is in, it's really good."

Last season, Bosa was part of an inconsistent pass rush and failed to reach double-digit sacks for the first time since 2020. With a retooled defensive front, Saleh is confident the 49ers' pass rush will return to form—and he has no concerns about his star defensive end.

"Bosa is going to be Bosa," Saleh said. "He's going to take care of his job and, and knock on wood, he's going to be just fine."

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