The San Francisco 49ers have taken a significant step in reshaping their defense by acquiring defensive end Bryce Huff, a move that underscores new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s strategic vision. Saleh has a track record of getting the most out of the third- and fifth-round draft picks from his initial run with the organization. He’s just as keen to do so with Huff, who had a similarly brilliant breakout campaign in 2023.
During his previous stint with the 49ers, Saleh demonstrated a remarkable ability to develop players like linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Both of these players were highly productive, but were drafted in the 6th and 7th rounds. Since then, they’ve evolved into critical components of the team’s defense. Saleh’s development pedigree is reflected by his 2021 work with the New York Jets. He developed the potential of underrated players such as cornerback D.J. Reed and linebacker Quincy Williams.
Huff’s acquisition is notable for the 49ers, as it signals their strong belief in his performance capabilities. NFL Next Gen Stats But last year, that led to 10 sacks and a league-leading 21.8% pressure rate. His performance really cements him as one of the league’s most dangerous edge rushers. His last season with the Philadelphia Eagles underwhelmed. Their biggest shortcoming was the absence of Saleh’s expertise and defensive brilliance.
Robert Saleh’s familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers organization has facilitated a collaborative environment that prioritizes defensive enhancement. After being fired from the New York Jets in October as their defensive coordinator, Saleh returned to the 49ers with something to prove. So he’s the person that we go to for a lot of things with the roster. They snagged special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who once worked with Saleh in New York, and they made defense their early draft priority.
In addition to Huff, the 49ers have recently added linebacker Chazz Surratt, further solidifying their defense in preparation for the upcoming season. Last year, the 49ers were a total trainwreck on defense. They finished 29th in points allowed per game (25.6), 20th in defensive efficiency (47.32) and 26th in QBR allowed (58.5). These figures illustrate just how badly we need change, a challenge Saleh is committed to tackling.
Huff previously flourished under Saleh’s coaching when he was the head coach of the Jets. His impressive run over that stretch set the tone for an impressive career largely still ahead of him. As he transitions to the 49ers, expectations are high for Huff to replicate that success alongside other talented players like Nick Bosa and Yetur Gross-Matos.
Kyle Shanahan shared Kyle’s excitement about Saleh’s return. It’s good listening to his voice through there and listening to how he’s viewing defense and the NFL at this point now. This is indicative of a greater organizational promise to returning the team to a more defensively focused identity.
Robert Saleh himself shared his excitement about returning to a familiar environment: “That was the other reason why it was exciting to come back.” His vision for player development and defensive philosophy is what’s most important here. It’s supposed to turn their already talented defense into one of the scariest units in the league.
As the offseason goes on, Saleh’s plan will be the enormous draw. The biggest question will be his ability to maximize the talents of his newly acquired players. And now the 49ers, flush with talent, are ready to take that huge step in prudent fashion. There’s a new excitement around what Huff and other important changes will bring to the field.
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