2016 NFL Draft Profile: DE Joey Bosa

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of defensive end Joey Bosa out of Ohio State.

Bosa burst onto the scene in Columbus, Ohio in 2013, making it clear he is an elite player, making an immediate impact and being named a starter as a true freshman. In his rookie season for Ohio State, he tallied up 44 total tackles (13.5 for loss) and 7.5 sacks in 14 games, also earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.

Bosa continued to excel in his sophomore season as he became the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, secured unanimous All-American honors and was named a finalist for the Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Ted Hendricks Award: all national awards. He led the Big Ten with 55 total tackles (21 for loss) and 13.5 sacks in 15 games.

He was suspended for Ohio State’s opener against Virginia Tech for violating team rules. He continued to be an impact player for the Buckeyes though, but statistically had a down year having 51 total tackles (16 tackles for loss) and only five sacks. Bosa was still named the Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2015, being voted in by other Big Ten coaches.

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Bosa racked up 150 total tackles, 26 sacks and numerous accolades that prove the type of impact player he is. He announced his intentions to enter the draft prior to the Fiesta Bowl, which unfortunately he was ejected from after being penalized for targeting another player.

STRENGTHS

At 6’5″ and 269 pounds, Bosa has the ideal frame for a player heading into the NFL Draft; great size, power, flexibility, and attitude. He has the core strength you would want from a defensive lineman. Bosa is quick off the line, using a good forward lean and length in his arm extension to get offensive lineman off-balance and gain an immediate advantage.

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Combine his quickness off the ball with a powerful bullrush and aggressive hands and he can gain the advantage over opposing lineman.

Bosa is very fluid and natural with his lateral quickness and his ability to work in space. He possesses great discipline and doesn’t allow himself to be taken out of plays with his hustle, vision and awareness. He has the ability to be a threat from anywhere in the box.

Bottom line, Bosa just knows football. He’s tough and has a great understanding of what it takes to be in the NFL, as his father and uncle were drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Drive will never be an issue with him.

WEAKNESSES

Bosa is not as quick as some of the elite players at his position. He can be more of a reactionary player in circumstances where he anticipates wrong and misreads the play. He will also need work to improve his gap integrity, as sometimes he will continue to work over a block rather than reacting to the gaps.

Despite having great hands, Bosa needs to learn to be a bit less contact oriented to help get around the edge. At times his lean can cause him to be thrown by lineman and he struggles to battle through blocks when being consumed by the defender. He struggled in getting to the opposing quarterback at Ohio State when opposing offenses placed more attention to him.

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DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Bosa hopes to follow his father, John Bosa, and uncle, Eric Kumerow‘s footsteps, being a first-round pick in the draft. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, he won’t be the third in this family to be drafted by Miami.

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Expect Bosa to be selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the fourth overall pick, but not fall past the Baltimore Ravens with the sixth overall pick in the draft.

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