San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had a Pro Bowl season in 2018, as the third-year 3-technique DT racked up 12 sacks over 16 games, despite facing double-teams and extra focus from opposing offensive lines throughout the season.
Buckner, a 3-4 defensive end before he moved inside, is the lone success story from a 49ers team that has continued to attempt to fit square pegs into round roles — and particularly on the team’s defensive line.
49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan inherited Buckner, a first-round draft pick in 2016, who showed significant promise during his six-sack rookie season.