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Scott Geelan analyses Nick Bosa’s fit in San Francisco San Francisco 49ers Hoodie , as well as providing brief thoughts on where the 49ers should go on Day 2"s Stadium Events49ers Transactions49ers Injury News49ers Press Conferences & Conference CallsNFL DraftSan Francisco 49ers NewsAnalysing Nick Bosa’s fit with the 49ersNew,31commentsScott Geelan analyses Nick Bosa’s fit in San Francisco, as well as providing brief thoughts on where the 49ers should go on Day 2PDTShareTweetShareShareAnalysing Nick Bosa’s fit with the 49ersChristopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsThe 49ers got their guy last night, selecting former Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa with the number two overall pick in the NFL Draft. In his press conference, General Manager John Lynch made it clear that ultimately, Bosa was the player they coveted most, stating:“I think kind of the evolution of the process, two players really in our minds separated themselves from the pack, and it was Bosa and it was Quinnen Williams, and those were the players, and I think ultimately we had those guys ranked extremely evenly. Then you kind of look at where your team has the biggest need, and [...] Nick [...] was a piece that we still could use, another edge guy.”Clearly, Bosa’s talent and the 49ers desire to add another piece on the edge elevated Bosa to the top prospect on their board. Given that, one would expect Bosa to be a comfortable fit in the 49ers’ defense, which is certainly the case. Bosa is, without a doubt, a superb player. He’s got the athletic abilities and polish that suggests he can come into the league and be a Pro Bowl type player straight out the gate. With his refined hands, superb power, excellent (if slightly inconsistent) burst off the snap combined with understanding of his game and attack, Bosa has all the tools to dominate in every phase of the game, as explicitly stated by Kyle Shanahan, who said:“He plays the run well. His best strength is rushing the passer, but no he can play all three downs and play in all situations.”This latter point is perhaps the crucial thing that makes Bosa so valuable to the 49ers - he is capable of playing in ALL situations. From what I have seen, Bosa will be able to play in every down and distance scenario and every package that the 49ers use: outside of resting, he will never have to leave the field. How will that likely play out? And what will it mean for other players along the defensive line?Base packagesThis is one of the most common fronts the 49ers use - their base 4-3 under front. In Seattle this was (and could still be) called ‘Frisco’, with the LEO in a 9-tech, a 3-tech, a 1-tech, the strong side end aligned in a 5/6-tech and the SAM linebacker on or just off the LOS. In these sorts of fronts, Bosa could play at either end, though I would expect him to play at weak side end most of the time, where he would compete for time with Dee Ford. Deforest Buckner would likely be the first choice 3-tech & Solomon Thomas would compete with Arik Armstead to play 5/6-tech. Either could also play the 3-tech spot, whilst second year players Kentavius Street & Jullian Taylor could also play either spot.DJ Jones would likely man the nose tackle position, but they could look to use players who are better penetrators there.Another common base under front that the 49ers use is a front the Seahawks called ‘Boston’. Note the position of the LEO, head up with a tight end. The strong safety will align close to the LOS to have contain responsibilities and the LEO will have to handle a possible tight-end - tackle double team, at least initially. This is the type of package that Dee Ford would likely struggle in. Bosa could certainly play the LEO role here. Given motion can cause the 49ers to shift from the previous ‘Frisco’ front into ‘Boston’, it’s feasible that we may not see Ford in base defence that often... In ‘Boston’, the defensive end spots would be filled by players capable of handling double teams - Bosa http://www.49erscheapstore.com/nick-bosa-jersey-cheap , Thomas, Armstead, Taylor, Street or even Ronald Blair.The 49ers also run some over fronts in base. This was in part due to moving away from a defensive line type player at SAM to more of an off-ball linebacker type. Bosa would probably compete for snaps at LEO here, who aligns in a wide 9 alignment most commonly. He could play the big end spot as well however.In this instance, because of the way the Lions align, Thomas (aligned at LEO), is actually head up over the tight end, whilst Arik Armstead at big-end is in a wide 9. Bosa could handle either spot - it’s again important to note that motion can see the responsibilities and alignments change - so having an end who can comfortably play lined up over a tight end/tackle or outside is a massive bonus.Occasionally, the 49ers would also run bear style fronts. Bosa would be quite capable of playing at either end of the formation, but he would most likely play the 6-tech spot Solomon Thomas is playing over the tight end. In this sort of front, Thomas, Armstead, Buckner, Taylor & Street would probably compete to play the 3/4i-tech positions.We have also heard that with the arrival of new defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, the 49ers will be introducing more wide 9 elements to their playbooks. Here is a base package utilising the wide 9 from Miami last year. Bosa could play at either end spot, likely with Dee Ford opposite. On the inside, with the onus on penetration to stress offensive linemen, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas and Kentavius Street are the most likely candidates to man the two tackle spots.Nickel/dime packagesThe 49ers tended to use similar fronts in these packages - but they barely used dime at all last year. Their investment at linebacker suggests they might continue to shy away from dime if Kwon Alexander & Fred Warner remain healthy. Either way, the team will be in these the vast majority of the time.The 49ers’ most common nickel look: An over front, with the big end in a 5 or 6-tech (depending on if there is an in-line TE) and a 3-tech to the strong side; then a 1-tech and the LEO on the weak side. The LEO will align in a wide 9, but as the second image shows, can have to align inside a TE. Bosa could play either end spot, and I would think he would be used flexibly at either end. He may actually play strong-side end more in nickel to allow Dee Ford onto the field at weak side end. Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead, Kentavius Street and Jullian Taylor would reduce inside to compete at the defensive tackle spots. Armstead has shown he can play as a nickel nose tackle. The others could probably do so as well.A more unusual nickel look that was used against 20 personnel vs the run heavy Seahawks. Notice how the defensive ends are both aligned inside the outermost player on the offensive line (a TE and an extra tackle respectively). Bosa could play at either end spot however without issues. It’s also interesting to note that Armstead is the nickel nose tackle and Thomas is the 3-tech. With the wide 9 elements this season, getting players with explosive penetration abilities at every spot is important.Another more unusual nickel look, utilised often vs the Rams. Of some interest is the fact that the apparently genius innovation of Matt Patricia & Bill Belichick to play a 6-1 front against the Rams was being used by the 49ers in week 7. In this front, I would expect Bosa to play as one of the stand up OLBs, with Dee Ford opposite him at the other end.The wide 9 style fronts the 49ers already use in nickel/dime in obvious passing situations. Bosa would most likely play at defensive end opposite Dee Ford. He could potentially reduce inside to play 3-tech, but the 49ers have plenty of bodies there!Finally, a wide 9 with a 1/2i tech and a 3-tech to be used in nickel but not in obvious passing situations. Again, Bosa would play defensive end (probably to the TE side) with Dee Ford opposite.ConclusionSo it’s fair to say that Bosa has a spot in every 49ers package, more so than Dee Ford and perhaps every other 49ers player not called DeForest Buckner. His development will be fascinating to follow, but one senses he has all the tools as well as the right situation to be a force as a 49er.And my dream picks for Rounds 2 & 3...Round 2: DK Metcalf - I know Matt Maiocco reported the team allegedly did not mesh well with Metcalf when they interviewed him at the Combine, but I would be really keen to draft the monster from Ole Miss. With his combination of size, speed and ability to beat press Cheap Nick Bosa Jersey , Metcalf is the perfect X-iso receiver. He can run the go routes, deep overs, deep comebacks and digs that Kyle Shanahan dials up, demanding attention from a corner and a safety whilst clearing out space for the 49ers’ other receivers underneath. He doesn't need to be a superb route runner himself - the 49ers have multiple other receivers who can run post-corner-posts, pivots etc - he’d be the man that would terrify defences in other ways. Plus his perceived agility issues are overblown.Round 3: Jachai Polite - You’re probably seeing a theme... I’m not sure Polite’s potentially poor interview at the Combine will prevent the 49ers drafting him if he’s there in round 3. Another player with immense talent (covered more in depth here), for a third round pick the upside is simply too good to pass up. With Polite, Ford and Bosa, the 49ers would have a stable of EDGE rushers who will terrify opposition teams. The 49ers made their first splash in free agency after reportedly agreeing to sign former Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander - what does the film tell us about his qualities?"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 49ers Salary CapLevi’s Stadium Events49ers Transactions49ers Injury News49ers Press Conferences & Conference CallsNFL Analysis And Play Breakdowns49ers Film BreakdownNFL Free AgencyCan Kwon Alexander be the next great Niners linebacker?New,127commentsThe 49ers made their first splash in free agency after reportedly agreeing to sign former Buccaneers linebacker Kwon Alexander - what does the film tell us about his qualities?PDTShareTweetShareShareCan Kwon Alexander be the next great Niners linebacker?Aaron Doster-USA TODAY SportsIt took less than three hours of the legal tampering period of free agency for the 49ers to make a fanbase dividing splash. Kwon Alexander, the 24 year old former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker was signed on a four-year, $54 million deal. At the time, it represented a then off-ball linebacker leading annual salary of $13.5 million. When this apparently excessive salary was considered alongside Alexander’s current recovery from an ACL injury, and a smorgasbord of Twitter assessments based on PFF grades and missed tackle numbers, many condemned John Lynch’s first foray into free agency in what could be a defining season for ShanaLynch.I was certainly a little apprehensive about the deal: I wasn’t convinced by Alexander - much like many followers of the 49ers I had seen Alexander’s reputation on the Twittersphere. Furthermore, much like any 49ers fan, the prospect of spending significant capital on someone recovering from an ACL injury brought back some horrible Baalkeian flashbacks. But I wanted to try and see what the 49ers saw in Alexander that warranted them making him their prime free agent target.The FilmWhen you start watching Alexander, the obvious thing is that he is the epitome of all gas, no brakes. His relentless playing style, athleticism, edge and smarts translate superbly to what the 49ers are looking for at their WILL linebacker spot.Furthermore, there is plenty on film that shows Alexander making the types of plays he’ll be asked to make on a consistent basis for the 49ers. The traits that Alexander show are directly translatable to what the 49ers will be asking him to do. This is by far the most important aspect of his evaluation.This play is an excellent demonstration of Alexander’s, MLB between the hashes on halfway, range. As a WILL in the 49ers scheme, Alexander will regularly have to pursue plays from the inside out. Often times, from the middle of the field to outside the numbers, much like he did on this play. Julio Jones beats the corner after catching this screen pass, but Alexander eats up the turf and makes the stop. Solid tackle technique in pursuit here as well, tracking the near hip, keeping his eyes up and getting both arms wrapped.Another example of Alexander, MLB between the hashes on the 39, making a good play whilst performing a coverage responsibility he’ll be asked to do often as a 49er. Yankee concepts, deep post and a deep crosser, working off play action are a frequent weapon of opposition offenses against the 49ers’ cover 3 scheme. The 49ers ask their linebackers to get downhill aggressively against the run, but then turn around and quickly gain depth to get after likely crossers. Alexander just does this, demonstrating fluidity to flip his hips and good eyes to locate the receiver, adjust and make the playAlexander (red sleeve on LOS) demonstrates his fluidity and athleticism in coverage awareness here, though he’s slightly late to register Jones coming on the drag. He might not have expected Lavonte David to carry the TE. No wasted steps, instant acceleration and tremendous pursuit once again.Alexander’s, between the hashes on 35 yard line Nick Bosa 49ers Jersey , fluidity again on show here. He understands his leverage and once again his change of direction on show with no wasted steps and an easy drive to keep Jones in check on the stick route.Watch #58 as he reads this play like a book. Alexander identifies where it’s going early on and is waiting to make the tackle. Slight bad tackling habit shows up here. This has been something that does appear at times. He approaches the tackle very quickly, something that must to be accepted to an extent with linebackers that run like Alexander, and lowers his eyes at the contact point. In isolation, both of those actions make you vulnerable in the event of a late adjustments by the ball carrier. Together is understandably even worse. He needs to work on dropping his stride length and keeping his eyes up on approaching contact. In turn, that will help reduce his missed tackle count.Alexander demonstrates good patience as well as his outstanding athleticism. He doesn’t bite on the misdirection, staying at home once he sees the TE coming back across the formation. Then, despite having a distinct leverage disadvantage on the tackle (comfortably inside him as the ball is thrown), beats him equally comfortable to his spot and blows up the TE on the throwback screen.It is quite clear from a coverage standpoint, that Alexander has the all the requisite traits to excel as the 49ers WILL linebacker. He has outstanding range, generally takes good angles to the ball and impressive awareness of how plays are developing. He’s routinely around the ball, even when he has no right to be there and does not take plays off. His tackling can be mixed, but a number of his missed tackles are on plays he has no right to be close to, as he lunges after the likes of Tevin Coleman, Alvin Kamara and Taylor Gabriel on extremely low percentage tackle attempts. Such attempts are not low percentage because of poor technique however, but because Alexander has the athleticism (similar to the likes of Ryan Shazier and Telvin Smith) to somehow get close to plays and players when he simply should not. There are certainly technical issues at times, as touched on above, but he remains an excellent playmaking option in coverage. The story is much the same as a run defender.Alexander (#58) looks to be the fast flow defender here, aligning a little deeper to stay out the wash. However, he recognises Vita Vea getting turned out of the frontside A gap and gets downhill himself to fill the hole, closing rapidly and popping the running back. Atlanta attempts to bring a TE as a lead blocker to Alexander’s gap, but he gets blown up by Alexander. Gets lower than the TE, stands him up and makes the tackle as well for good measure. His physicality against the run showed up repeatedly on film.Alexander again showing his physicality, this team blowing up the fullback in the hole before making the stop. Carl Nassib attacks aggressively upfield through the frontside B gap, Alexander correctly gets into the frontside C gap in response, meeting the fullback and getting in on the tackle.Alexander demonstrates his patience again on this play, rather than his athleticism and physicality. He doesn’t just plough into the trash in front of him, maneuvering his way into the running back’s path and making the stop.Alexander’s athleticism, assignment soundness, physicality, and relentless nature also ensure he can have the requisite impact of a 49ers WILL linebacker in the running game. The WILL can often be the unblocked defender, but he will also have to shed blocks, beat offensive linemen to their spot, understand his gap assignment and generally be an effective and disciplined member of the front seven. Alexander can do all these things. At times, he will be over-reliant on or over-confident in his speed. You’ll see him attempt to run around or underneath blocks rather than taking them on. He also struggles at times to take on blocks, hardly shocking from a 230 pound linebacker, but he shows a knack for evading blockers with quickness and polished hand usage as well on film. That same quickness and hand usage also comes in handy on occasion as a blitzer, where Alexander also makes an impact. Whether it’s by design off the snap of the ball, or on a green dog blitz, Alexander has the ability to beat blockers and close quickly on quarterbacks. Whilst you don’t want his pass rushing to be a crucial part of the defense’s plan to attack opposition quarterbacks http://www.49ersfanshop.com/Nick-Bosa-Jersey , he is more than effective enough to justify sending on a handful of rushes a game to mix things up. Equally, it’s evident that Alexander is athletically capable of handling the mobility of Russell Wilson, and dare I say Kyler Murray, twice a season as a spy. ConclusionGMs have to build a team to win their division first and foremost. Alexander is undoubtedly a linebacker who can excel in multiple roles as the 49ers’ WILL linebacker. Whether that’sas a cover man, run stopper, blitzer, or a QB spy. Whilst he is coming off an ACL injury, the way players recover from such injuries 49ers fans should not be overly concerned with Alexander’s ability to regain full health. Whilst they can stall a player’s NFL transition, the impact on an already adjusted player should be negligent.Playing the WILL spot in the 49ers’ defense will allow Alexander to utilise the array of skills that he possesses, most notably his mind boggling athleticism, relentless nature and alpha persona on the field. He is considered a superb presence in the locker room and can undoubtedly be a central figure on the 49ers defense as a result of his personality and on-field ability.It would however, be remiss to discuss Alexander’s signing without some, brief consideration, of the size of his contract. When the news broke, there was certainly some consternation regarding Alexander’s average salary. That should be somewhat relieved.Firstly, the deals of CJ Mosley and Anthony Barr have both blown Alexander’s deal out of the water, particularly the former, in terms of annual salary and guaranteed money. Furthermore, they don’t fit as well in San Francisco. The former has a bigger reputation, but fits slightly less well in San Francisco than Alexander given the team’s commitment to Fred Warner at MIKE, whilst the latter is really a SAM linebacker here. That spot is not worth anywhere near such a big contract if the player is not also a top EDGE rusher on this team. Furthermore, looking back to 2018, both Anthony Hitchens and Eric Kendricks got the almost the same amount of guaranteed money as Alexander, $2 million less over the course of their deals, though a lower annual salary. Neither have the coverage upside of Alexander however, crucial in today's NFL. Another comparison that has been made is comparing Alexander’s average salary to those of Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner. When you consider salary cap inflation, Kuechly’s average salary per year when the contract was signed made up 8.6% of the 2015 salary cap, whilst Wagner’s made up 7.5%. friendly contract structure and the fact this deal was exposed to the free market whilst Wagner/Kuechly were internal re-signs, the money here actually looks quite reasonable. Essentially, the team will either tie down a top tier WILL linebacker for their scheme through his prime years and pay him accordingly, at 24 he is younger than Reuben Foster, or will be able to release him any time after just a couple of seasons should he not to live up to their clearly lofty expectations. He has the traits to make the money worthwhile, the reason the 49ers paid him, now we just have to wait and see him hit the field. I am excited to see him in red and gold come September 2019.