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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 23: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after sacking Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears during the game at Levi’s Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The Bears defeated the 49ers 14-9. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 23: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after sacking Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears during the game at Levi’s Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The Bears defeated the 49ers 14-9. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

26. San Francisco 49ers

2018 Review: It’s worth noting that the 49ers finished a respectable 13th in the league in total defense this past season. Now take into consideration that the franchise set dubious NFL record for fewest interceptions (2) and fewest takeaways in a season and it’s certainly easier to ascertain how Kyle Shanahan’s club allowed a whopping 435 points and a disappointing 48 offensive touchdowns. It also doesn’t help that a defensive line loaded with first-round draft choices hasn’t lived up to expectations – with the exception of DeForest Buckner (team-high 12 sacks).

2019 Key Additions: John Lynch used the second overall pick in April’ on former Ohio State pass rusher Nick Bosa. But he’s had problems staying healthy and dealt with injuries a year ago with the Buckeyes. The team traded for pass-rusher Dee Ford (Chiefs) and signed inside linebacker Kwon Alexander away from the Buccaneers. Jay Bromley adds depth to the defensive line and cornerback Jason Verrett was a solid pickup – if he can stay healthy.

Analysis: This may be the Niners’ most talented group in a few seasons, especially if Alexander performs as expected and Bosa can stay on the field. It’s hard to fathom that any club would go through another year in which the defense picks off just two passes and forces only seven turnovers. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, in his third year with the organization, could be feeling a little heat. The 49ers’ defense needs to prove itself in 2019.

Next: No. 25

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