Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Every year in the NFL Draft there’s one defensive guy who has the freakish ability to take over a game. Whether it’s Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack, there’s always THAT guy the early teams are looking for. In 2016, Ohio State’s Joey Bosa is that guy who can help turn around games in the NFL and disrupt opposing offenses.

In his second season with the Buckeyes, Bosa earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors after posting 13.5 sacks and 55 tackles. Since 2005 Bosa has out up the 4th most sacks in the Big Ten conference. In his junior season his production dipped a bit, only managing five sacks and 47 tackles. Now maybe that’s because he drew more double teams, but it’s certainly something to watch out for.

Here’s some of the strengths and weaknesses of Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa.

Strengths

First off you have to recognize the size and strength of Bosa. Watch this play against Michigan State where he throws the right tackle aside like a rag doll.

While he may not be able to do that in the NFL, the example of strength in college is largely unmatched at that position.

He also does not play tight like some players do out of college. You can see his flexibility and athleticism at work when he’s on the field.

Weaknesses

My immediate issue with Bosa is that he’s slow off the line. He knows it too because he over compensates it and gets called off sides multiple times a game. He was caught jumping three times against Michigan State when the Spartans defeated the Buckeyes to seal their Big Ten East title. NFL quarterbacks are going to exploit that from day one.

Second note is he needs to improve some of his inside moves. If he can improve that and get more leverage on guys his game will improve tremendously.

Final Verdict

Without a doubt Bosa is going to be a top five pick in this years draft, with the potential to go number one overall. It will all depend on who’s picking from the leagues basement. While I wouldn’t call Bosa my favorite player in this years draft, it’s easy to see his athleticism and talent at work.