Super Bowl 54: Ranking the 20 best players playing in 49ers vs. Chiefs
By Samuel Teets
8. Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers
A rookie sensation, Nick Bosa is everything the 49ers hopes he would be. After turning the heads of every NFL executive and scout in college, Bosa landed atop some mock drafts heading into the 2019 draft. In the end, the 49ers took him with the second overall pick.
In 2019, Bosa appeared in all 16 games, brushing off any lingering injury concerns from his college days. In those 16 appearances, Bosa amassed nine sacks, 25 quarterback hits and 47 tackles. He flashed speed and athleticism on par with or greater than his older brother, Joey Bosa.
The younger Bosa turned his intensity up for the playoffs. He sacked Kirk Cousins twice in the Divisional Round and also paid Aaron Rodgers a visit in the NFC Championship Game. Patrick Mahomes better hope Bosa doesn’t come knocking during the Super Bowl.
7. Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs
The Chiefs were unsure if Chris Jones would play in the AFC Championship, but the team desperately wanted him to be available. Jones, who missed the Divisional Round, did play, and he showed exactly why the Chiefs wanted him back so badly.
While Jones did not record a sack and only made two tackles, he routinely broke down Tennessee’s protection scheme and made Tannehill escape the pocket. Jones also clogged up the middle, leaving fewer running lanes for Derrick Henry. Even on a limited snap count, Jones left his mark on the game.
Generally, the Chiefs struggle to stop the run. The 49ers just happen to be one of the best running teams in the NFL. For Kanas City to stand a chance against San Francisco’s overwhelming ground attack, the Chiefs need Jones playing in prime condition.