The San Francisco 49ers struggled to get sacks last season, finishing 26th in the league with 30.0 sacks. Elvis Dumervil led the team with 6.5 sacks, while DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas were tied for second with 3.0 sacks.
Buckner did not close the deal with any regularity, but he did make opposing quarterbacks aware of his presence. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished the season with 19 quarterback hits, which led all NFL defensive players. And that brought word of a new nickname bestowed upon Buckner. Eli Harold told 49ers reporter Joe Fann that the team has been calling him DPOY.
FWIW: @EliHarold_ told me that DeForest Buckner has a new nickname: “DPOY”
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) April 4, 2018
Cause that’s where his teammates think he’s headed. https://t.co/GkRvkqeYwl
It might not be the most original of nicknames, but I can get behind it. If the 49ers defense can take a step forward this season, his consistent pressure could turn into more sacks. Maybe not double digit sack totals yet, but he could be in position for a big step forward in 2018.
On a side note, I’m still trying to find it, but Buckner showed off this new t-shirt that is a fun design.