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DeForest Buckner

DeForest Buckner could benefit from improved 49ers pass rush

by Christopher Bunch | Colts Correspondent | Tue, Jul 17th 8:50pm EDT

The 49ers hired 'Tampa Two' legend Monte Kiffin's son Chris Kiffin as a pass rush specialist in February, and he's since been working with defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina to maximize pass rush production. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is impressed with the early results, telling reporters "[t]hey’ve identified some stuff that’s going to be a cool dynamic. I think we’re going to be much further along pass rush wise." (49ers.com)

Fantasy Impact:

DT DeForest Buckner led the NFL with 19 QB hits in 2017 but was only able to convert three of those hits into sacks, as the 49ers' lack of edge pressure and a cohesive pass rush plan gave opposing quarterbacks just enough time to get rid of the ball. Kiffin told reporters in May that his plan was to make Buckner the focal point of a coordinated pass rush, and force quarterbacks to step up into the arms of the 49ers' best defender. If Saleh's assessment of improvement is accurate, Buckner could be in line for a substantial increase in sack totals in 2018.

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