Still, defensive end Nick Bosa's dominant 2022 campaign was enough to solidify his lead among 49ers teammates. The star pass rusher earned over 43 percent of the fans from fans. McCaffrey came in second with nearly 29 percent of the votes, while rookie quarterback Brock Purdy earned almost 21 percent.
Our fans have chosen an MVP annually since the 1998 season when quarterback Steve Young became the first player to win the honor. The last defensive lineman to earn the award was DeForest Buckner for his 2016 campaign efforts.
Bosa finished the 2022 season with a league-leading 18.5 sacks, adding 51 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 48 quarterback hits, a pass defensed, and two forced fumbles. Per Pro Football Focus, his 90 total pressures tied with Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons for the most in the league.
Bosa's Pro Football Focus overall grade of 90.9, pass rush grade of 90.9, and tackle grade of 71.4 are career highs. He earned first-team All-Pro honors and was selected to his third Pro Bowl roster. Bosa is the favorite to be named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
San Francisco made Bosa the No. 2 overall pick, selecting him out of Ohio State in the 2019 NFL Draft. The talented pass rusher was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first season. Bosa is in his fourth NFL season and is likely slated to become the highest-paid defender in the NFL.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers TE George Kittle shares unique take on Eagles fans
Philadelphia Eagles fans have long had a reputation around the NFL, and visiting teams like the San Francisco 49ers consider Lincoln Financial Field one of the most challenging road environments in the league. But 49ers tight end George Kittle wouldn't have it any other... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan recalls a shocking encounter with Eagles fans
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently shared memories of the extreme lengths Philadelphia Eagles fans go to in an effort to rattle opposing teams. Those experiences, Kittle noted, have ranged from verbal taunts and crude gestures to fans mooning the team bus on... -
These 7 49ers players are inactive vs. Eagles
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. These seven players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: LB Luke Gifford (quadricep) DL Kevin Givens RB Isaac Guerendo CB Chase... -
49ers clear on Fred Warner's status for Seahawks playoff game, plus other injury updates
The San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant blow during Sunday's Wild Card playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles, losing a key piece of their offense in the process. Star tight end George Kittle tore his Achilles in the first half, an injury that will require a lengthy...