Turns out Nick Bosa was a pretty good pick after all.
The 49ers’ first-year defensive end was named as both the NFL’s Rookie of the Year and the Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writer’s Association on Tuesday morning. He is the first ever 49ers’ defensive player to win Rookie of the Year, and the fourth to win the defensive honor, following cornerback Bruce Taylor (1970), defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield (1993), linebacker Patrick Willis (2007) and edge rusher Aldon Smith (2011).
Bosa, who the 49ers selected with the second overall pick, finished his rookie campaign with 47 tackles and nine sacks with an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 14 games. Bosa was stellar in his first playoff appearance in the Divisional Round on Saturday, sacking Kirk Cousins twice during the 27-10 win. He was ranked sixth by Pro Football Focus among all edge defenders this season.
Bosa edged out the Raiders’ Josh Jacobs who was named as the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Bosa’s brother, Joey, was also named as the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Chargers in 2016.
Bosa was one of two 49ers to make the All-Rookie team, joining linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who will be forever remembered for his goal line tackle to clinch home field advantage in Week 17 vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Greenlaw, a fifth-round pick, finished the season with 92 tackles and an interception while playing all 16 games.
Here’s the full 2019 PFWA All-Rookie Team and rookie honors:
The 2019 PFWA All-Rookie Team and rookie honors: pic.twitter.com/mmHVHWWQFx
— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) January 14, 2020