5 reasons the 49ers will regress in 2020

2. They will miss DeForest Buckner

Sanders isn’t the biggest offseason loss the 49ers suffered. That honor goes to DeForest Buckner. San Francisco did well to get a quality first-round pick in exchange for its talented defensive tackle, but will really miss his play on the interior of the defensive line.

The obvious plan by the franchise is to use Javon Kinlaw to replace 80 percent of Buckner’s on-field production for a fraction of the price. That sounds like a solid economic plan, but it doesn’t mean it will improve the 49ers defense in the slightest.

Instead, it’s safe to assume that the team’s ferocious front will be slightly diminished. The group will still be really good, but it might not be great. Any slippage will cause the 49ers’ defense serious pain.

Buckner’s departure will also make it easy for opponents to focus their blocking schemes against Nick Bosa. He’s going to face double-teams on almost every passing down. Bosa has the talent to overcome that challenge, but his degree of difficulty will be increased without Buckner’s help.