Golden Nuggets: Can the defensive line mask the secondary?

Getting an outside perspective on what to expect from the San Francisco 49ers this season, PFF’s Austin Gayle and Sam Monson discuss the “State of the Franchise” in this video just under four minutes below. The two start by talking about the impact Dee Ford and Nick Bosa will have on the defense. They said Bosa is one of the best pass-rushers they have seen since PFF started grading college players a few years back. PFF has the Niners as the eight best pass rush in their rankings.

From there, they move onto the secondary. It’s not that the team is lacking talent on the backend, it’s just that they are unproven. The guys talk about how the 49ers are betting on the youth to get better and stay healthy. That’s a risk. The hope is investing big in the defensive line is can mask some issues in the secondary.

Monson and Gayle were much more complimentary of the offense and Kyle Shanahan’s outside zone/play-action attack. They mention all of the weapons and tie it all back into Jimmy Garoppolo’s health.

Check it out below:

Some 49ers links from around the web yesterday:

49ers have $35.3 million in salary cap space going into training camp (Madson)

49ers’ 53-man roster projection includes tight battle at wide receiver (Wagoner)

49ers training camp questions: Which running back will get most carries? (Maiocco)

Kyle Juszczyk: No more BS, 49ers need to do this now (PFT)

Can the 49ers handle the pressure? Tyler Dunne of Bleacher Report writes the best, most in-depth feature you’ll read these next couple of months.

Around the NFL:

Titans make Kevin Byard the highest paid safety in the NFL

Packers surprise everyone by releasing DT Mike Daniels

NFL suspends Titans LT Taylor Lewan four games over PED test

There will be no new CBA without an 18-game season

The NFL’s 7 best old quarterback performances in the last two decades