Nick Bosa has a strong chance to win the defensive rookie of the year award

It feels extremely good to finally see the San Francisco 49ers have an effective pass rush. That is why the team is 3-0 and rookie Nick Bosa is a huge reason why. From the very first game in week one, Bosa made his presence felt and never looked back. In each game he has had a major impact on the defense by making opposing offensive tackles life a misery.

We just witnessed Bosa, a rookie, go up against Pro bowler Alejandro Villaneuva and push him back like a sled. I think it’s pretty safe to say, at least through three games, that the 49ers got this draft pick right. Given how stellar his play has been, Nick Bosa has a strong chance to win the rookie defensive player of the year award.

Remember, Bosa has not been 100% healthy through these first three games because of an ankle sprain that was re-aggravated in week one. He has been playing at such a high level with a hobbled foot. That is just insane to fathom since he's a rookie. Now that the 49ers are on their bye week, it allows players like Bosa to heal up their injuries and reset for the long haul of the season.

Adding overall pass-rush win rates, as well, to account for quick pass-rush wins (most valuable) but also quick game, screens, etc.

- Nick Bosa (23.5%)
- Josh Allen (18.6%)
- Brian Burns (17.9%)

- Clelin Ferrell (6.3%)
- Montez Sweat (5.9%)

NFL average is 12% (Min. 40 snaps)
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) September 26, 2019

Imagine him finally being able to play a snap without any lingering injuries. He just tossed Villaneuva around last Sunday with a shaky ankle and has been making the previous opponents look like amateurs. According to Pro Football Focus, Nick Bosa has generated 17 pressures and leads the NFL in pass rushing productivity among defensive ends with at least 35 rush attempts. All of that while on a questionable ankle. And oh yea, he is a rookie.

The best is yet to come for Nick Bosa who should have no problem feasting on offensive tackles the next few games. When the 49ers return from the bye week, they play host to the Cleveland Browns who have a subpar offensive line. That can easily be his first multi-sack game of the season.

Following the Browns game, the 49ers will head to Los Angeles to take on the division rival Rams. They're offensive line play is much better than Cleveland's but not good enough to shut down Bosa and company. After that, the 49ers will say hello to the Washington Redskins who have looked abysmal in pass protection.

So not only will Bosa be healthy when the season picks back up again, but he will be going up against fairly easy opposition.

The defensive rookie of the year award is well within his grasp and kind of feels like it is his to lose. The only other rookie defensive players that could challenge him are Brian Burns, Josh Allen and Ed Oliver. These three rookies have been making an impact on their defenses, but none have compared to what Bosa has been doing injured.

Quinnen Williams could have been in the conversation, but an injury has forced him to miss time. That is something the San Francisco 49ers cannot afford with Nick Bosa. They need to continue to limit him during the week so that he is fresh for Sundays. So far what they have been doing is working.

Just like Bosa's technique against offensive tackles, they are working. If Bosa elevates his play once he is healthy, then forget about the rookie award. The legitimate defensive player of the year title just could be his. Whatever the case may be, the 49ers sure are glad that Nick Bosa is on their side.