Nick Bosa has officially been recognized as the NFL's best newcomer this year.
The former Ohio State defensive end was named Tuesday by the Pro Football Writers of America as the NFL Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, recognizing a season in which he has performed up to the hype and then some as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.
In his first regular season with the San Francisco 49ers, Bosa started 14 of 16 games and recorded 47 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception, two passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. His 16 tackles for loss were the fifth-most among all NFL players during the regular season.
Bosa became an immediate star of a 49ers defense that has been among the NFL's best this year, holding opponents to 281.8 yards per game (second in the league) and 19.4 points per game (eighth) during the regular season.
His success has continued in the postseason, as he recorded six total tackles with two sacks and a pass deflection in the 49ers' 27-10 divisional round win over the Minnesota Vikings. He'll look to help lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth on Sunday, when the 49ers play the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game (6:40 p.m., Fox).
Bosa is the second former Buckeye to win the PFWA's NFL Rookie of the Year award in the past four seasons, as Ezekiel Elliott received the award for the 2016 season.
Former Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin was also among the players named to the PFWA's All-Rookie Team on Tuesday. His recognition comes after a debut season in which he led the Washington Redskins with 58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns.
