San Francisco 49ers: Predicting the 3 most likely breakout players in 2019
DL DeForest Buckner
If NFL players were actual stock that fans could buy, then I’d highly recommend purchasing stock into DeForest Buckner. The development and elevation of talent that Buckner displayed last season were phenomenal. It’s why his stock skyrocketed into its current state.
Buckner is entering a contract year in 2019. He may or may not be already signed to an extension entering the season. Regardless, this man is going to be hungry. Hungry to prove he’s worth the money or prove his gratitude to the 49ers for taking care of him.
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There is really no reason not to believe Buckner won’t replicate his 2018 season and then some. All of the additions that have been made this offseason has been to create a concrete pass rush. Outside of Buckner, there was no legitimate pass rush.
Offenses could easily key in on Buckner and take their chances with the others. However, that will no longer be a viable option as the 49ers pass rush department is now lethal as a result of acquiring Dee Ford via trade and drafting Nick Bosa second overall in this year’s draft.
A three stack of talented pass rushers is the standard for a dangerous pass rush and the 49ers just supplied Buckner with that reinforcement. Breaking out in 2019 should be no problem for him. He’ll have the support along with another year notched in his belt, so he should be refined.
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It would behoove the 49ers to lock Buckner up now to an extension before his stock continues to soar high. At that point, they risk a significantly higher price or potentially using the franchise tag on him.
2019 cannot come soon enough so that Buckner can truly be unleashed.