Overview
Position: Defensive end
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 275 pounds
School: Ohio State Buckeyes
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.86 seconds
Bench press (225 pounds): 24 reps
Vertical jump: 32 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet
Three cone drill: 6.89 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.21 seconds
Joey Bosa 2016 NFL Draft Profile
Few players on the defensive side of the football will come into this year’s draft with as much promise as Bosa. His previous two seasons with Ohio State are the reason why. The Fort Lauderdale, FL native was arguably one of the most dominant defensive ends in college football over that period. His play in 2014 played a key role in the Buckeyes national title run. He finished with 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks, both of which led the Big Ten. And OSU was able to score 37 points off turnovers directly forced by Bosa.
Despite experiencing a bit of dropoff statistically in 2015 (16 TFLs, five sacks), Bosa remained a force to be reckoned with in opposing teams’ backfields. He continued to take home awards for his play as well. Among the accolades he’s received over the course of his collegiate career include being named a consensus All-American, Big Ten defensive player of the year and a two-time conference defensive lineman of the year. He’s also been named first team all-Big Ten the past two years.
It quite possibly could be in the Bosa family bloodline to not only realize the dream of playing in the NFL but getting drafted in the first round. His father John Bosa and uncle Eric Kumerow were both drafted 16th by the Dolphins in successive years (1987, 88). And his brother Nick, a five-star prospect who committed to Ohio State, could have the potential to join him in the pros in a few years time if all the hype out of high school turns out to be true about him.
Strengths
- possesses an NFL-caliber physique for his position.
- speed off the snap is about as good as it gets.
- routinely able to get around the edge against opposing tackles in the five technique.
- exceptional lateral quickness that enables him to flare inside on A gap running plays.
- Immense upper body strength; doesn’t take long for blockers to end up on their heels.
- always has active hands and positioning allows him added leverage.
- proven ability to force turnovers and provide a short field for the offense.
- tireless worker and fierce competitor.
- comes from a program that lost just two games over the past two seasons.
Weaknesses
- tends to concede extra yardage to runners after contact.
- might need to improve center of gravity coming out of stance.
- could use more elusiveness in his pass rush; rushes into contact too often.
- was ejected for targeting in his final collegiate game; might need to tone down intensity in a league that increasingly protects quarterbacks.
- has had issues mistiming snap count and consequently jumping offsides.
- bit of an aloof personality.
- had an off-the-field transgression last summer that led to a one-game suspension.
NFL Comparison: Ezekiel Ansah
Teams with Need at Position: Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Bucs, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins
Projection: Likely top five pick and could be first overall
Bottom Line
Having effective edge rushers capable of wreaking havoc on the perimeter is a critical component of any contending team. Just look at what the Denver Broncos were able to accomplish with DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller. The NFL is a copycat league and teams trying to emerge from medocrity and into legitimate contenders will be looking to emulate Denver in building an elite defensive line. Bosa’s skill set means that he will be highly coveted in this regard. As perhaps the top prospect at the position, expect the former Buckeye to be off the board early.
