49ers superstar taking on an important new role in 2025
With those established voices leaving the locker room, the 49ers will need other veterans to step up and take on a leadership role, and defensive end Nick Bosa is doing his best to be one of them in 2025.
'I definitely need to take a leadership role, for sure,' Bosa told The Athletic's Vic Tafur. 'It's one thing to come in and work on my job and get better, which is all I've ever really worried about. And then it's another thing to try and bring everybody along with you. So it's definitely something that I'm thinking about and something I want to do.'
While Bosa has some teammates returning from last year's roster, including Yetur Gross-Matos, Robert Beal, Sam Okuayinomu, Jonathan Garvin and Tarron Jackson (who was carted off of the field during a practice session over the weekend), he's also joined by two newcomers - Bryce Huff and Mykel Williams.
The 49ers traded for Huff this offseason, so he's not a young player entering the league for the first time, but Williams was San Francisco's first-round pick this year, and he could greatly benefit from Bosa's advice.
Through the first few days of training camp, the five-time Pro Bowler and the team's top selection have spent some time together, and they seem to be enjoying their time.
'I mean it's just friendly banter, but some of it is constructive criticism,' Bosa said. 'Obviously, it's fun to watch a young guy just go through the growing pains that I went through — and anything that I see I'm going to help them with.'
Williams is entering the league as a 21-year-old who didn't have a ton of success in bringing down opposing quarterbacks in college (14 sacks in 40 games over three seasons). Still, Bosa likes what he sees from the rookie and knows exactly what he needs to work on.
'Mykel's looked really good,' Bosa said. 'He is very physical and he has a big reach, so he just needs to hone in obviously on his aiming points and trusting the system.'
If Williams is going to reach his potential, Bosa's help could get him get there quicker.This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa taking on an important leadership role in 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
3 minutes ago
- USA Today
Eagles' training camp: 3 standouts from the first padded practice of 2025
With Day 5 of practices complete, we're looking at the three standouts from the Tuesday morning session. The Eagles were back on the field for the fifth day of training camp in blistering, almost 100-degree heat. Philadelphia has had four training camp practices and a Friday walkthrough before the NFL celebrates 'Back Together Weekend'. The Eagles have returned to the NovaCare Complex for a Tuesday morning session that will be the team's first fully padded practice of the summer. The Eagles will be on the field for approximately 90 minutes, followed by a walkthrough on Wednesday. With Day 5 of practices complete, we're looking at the three standouts from the Tuesday morning session. RB ShunDerrick Powell Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout. Elijah Cooks Roster spots are earned and not stolen, but through one week of training camp at the NovaCare Complex, it's the big, physical receiver, Elijah Cook, making a name for himself ahead of players with bigger expectations. The Eagles signed Cooks to a reserve/future contract following the Super Bowl. Cooks signed with the Eagles' practice squad on Jan. 14 after spending most of the 2024 season on the Jaguars' practice squad. The 26-year-old wideout has made a dazzling catch in each of the past three practices. LB Jihaad Campbell The rookie once again had the spotlight all to himself with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean out, and Campbell provided a sideline-to-sideline impact on the run and the pass.
USA Today
3 minutes ago
- USA Today
Mark Clayton talks Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle: 'Actions speak louder than words'
Miami Dolphins legendary wide receiver Mark Clayton appeared on The Fins Faithful Podcast Monday night, discussing a wide range of topics, and touched on the 2025 Dolphins, specifically Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Miami all-time leaders in receptions and touchdowns mentioned that he sees a bit of himself in Waddle and also shared his thoughts on Hill. An admirer of Waddle's game, Clayton said, 'Not that I don't love Hill's game as much as Waddle's, but I love Waddle's game. Waddle's game reminds me so much of my own with a little more speed, he's much faster than I was. "If I'm going to say one of the two, you know, who I think patterns their game after mine, I would have to say Waddle.' Clayton was quick to clarify, 'Hill is no slouch,' and offered some wisdom on how Hill could regain the trust of his teammates after a tumultuous 2024 season. 'Your mouth can say anything, but your actions speak louder than words,' he said. 'I think you win your teammates back through your actions, not your words. And he should remember this at all times as an NFL player: You don't play for anybody except the 10 other guys out there on the field. You play for them. You don't play for yourself.' Last season, Hill took himself out of the final game of the season against the New York Jets. Following the game he also made a pseudo trade request, telling reporters "I'm out" and that he was "opening the door" to leave the Dolphins. He has since walked back his comments and is currently trying to win back his teammates' trust. Hill is a three-time Dolphins team captain, but he isn't counting on receiving that honor again. Waddle, who has had a fine first four seasons for Miami, has missed five games the last two seasons. Clayton spoke about the importance of his availability saying, 'For Waddle to really shine like he's capable of shining, man, he's had these little knickknack injuries. He's got to stay healthy to stay on the field for him to be as productive as he possibly could be because, you know, when you're on the sideline in street clothes, you can't help your team.' Both Waddle and Hill will look to get back to their 2023 potency, which of course will have a lot to do with the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and the overall improvement of the offense.
USA Today
3 minutes ago
- USA Today
Bucs' WR Emeka Egbuka is making plays early and often at training camp
It hasn't taken long for rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to make an impression. Just days into Buccaneers training camp, the first-round pick is already looking the part of a polished, NFL-ready contributor. Lining up with the first-team offense, Egbuka has shown off the crisp route running, strong hands, and explosive burst that made him one of the most complete receivers in the 2025 draft class. Whether working from the slot or outside, he's looked comfortable and confident against NFL defenders. Egbuka's transition has been smooth since rookie minicamp, where teammates and coaches were impressed by his football IQ and natural feel for the game. His ability to quickly absorb the playbook has only boosted his reps in camp, especially with Chris Godwin Jr. ramping up slowly from his dislocated ankle that required surgery and a second "procedure" a few weeks ago. At Ohio State, Egbuka posted over 200 career receptions, routinely producing in big moments. That poise and consistency are translating early in Tampa. During team drills, he's already made several standout catches and earned praise from quarterback Baker Mayfield for his timing and reliability. With Mike Evans and Godwin Jr. cemented atop the depth chart, Egbuka is in a strong position to claim the WR3 role, especially given his versatility. He's currently battling with Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson, but his polish and playmaking have stood out. The Bucs drafted Egbuka to contribute early, and so far, that vision is coming to life. If he continues this pace, Emeka Egbuka won't just earn snaps; he could be one of the most impactful rookie receivers in the NFL this season.
