49ers rookie becomes much more important after latest Nick Bosa injury

How Bosa's injury affects 49ers' defense

Bosa, 27, is the 49ers' best defensive player. The former Ohio State star won Defensive Player of the Year during the 2022 season. 

The five-time Pro Bowler was off to another fast start in 2025. Through three games, he was tied with DE Bryce Huff for the team lead in sacks (two) and ranked fourth in total tackles (17). 

What can Williams do to make up for the loss of Bosa?

Williams — the 11th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft — has primarily served as a run-stopper for the Niners. Through three games, the DE has logged three stuffs. (A stuff is a tackle on a run play for no gain or negative yardage.)

The 2022 national champion hasn't shown much in the pass-rushing department, though. He has yet to record a sack. Per Pro Football Focus, Williams has just five pressures on 130 snaps. However, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh believes this skill will emerge in due time. 

"He's going to make his living, at least while we're here, being a first- and second-down run defender on the outside and then rushing the passer on the inside," Saleh told the media after a Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. "We think he can rush the passer outside, too, but we also think that he can be an elite interior pass-rusher, which is very hard to find. Those guys are rare. Even more rare than an edge guy." 

One of the best interior pass-rushers in the NFL is Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, a six-time Pro Bowler. If Williams becomes a similar player, that would undoubtedly help the 49ers (3-0) manage while Bosa recovers. And it would make their defense even more formidable when he returns next season.