Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, is stirring the advertising drum for his pass rusher Nick Bosa. For the 43-year-old, Bosa is a clear MVP candidate.

78 pressures, 48 tackles, 24 quarterback hits and 17.5 sacks. Nick Bosa ranks among the NFL’s best pass rushers. The 25-year-old of the San Francisco 49ers causes fear and terror in the backfield of the opponents this season.

His head coach Kyle Shanahan sees an MVP candidate in his protégé. “Players like Lawrence Taylor or in past years Aaron Donald could make a strong impact on any game. And I think Nick Bosa is on par with those players when you look at his impact,” Shanahan said during a press conference ahead of the clash against the Denver Broncos.

The 43-year-old admitted, however, that quarterbacks often stand out in the MVP race. “It’s always difficult for players at other positions to win the award because quarterbacks are so important to a team and of course some play great. (…) But that doesn’t mean it’s a must that a quarterback wins, unique players like Bosa have a chance too.”

Nick Bosa: Kyle Shanahan with praise

Even a few days ago, Shanahan said he would be “surprised” if Bosa didn’t at least dust off the Defensive Player of the Year award. Only two defenders have ever won the MVP award: Alan Page (1971) and Lawrence Taylor (1986). Running back Adrian Peterson was the last non-quarterback to win the award in 2012.

“It feels like I’m living my dream right now,” Bosa said, referring to his performances for the 49ers this season.

In the season finale, Bosa and the 49ers face the Las Vegas Raiders on Game 17 and the Arizona Cardinals on the final day of play. San Francisco has already secured the NFC West title and the playoff ticket that goes with it.