SANTA CLARA
The 49ers hope to improve their pass rush by inverting it.
Last season, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner rushed exclusively from the inside, defensive end Solomon Thomas rushed primarily from the outside and each recorded only three sacks.
Now, they’re switching spots.
So far during training camp, Thomas has played nothing but defensive tackle during one- on-one pass-rush drills. And on Sunday, Buckner started taking reps at defensive end.
“He’s a special talent,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said of Buckner after Monday’s practice. “He gets consistent pressure in the backfield. The challenge for us is how to get Buck one-on-one matchups as many times as possible.