2019 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
The most hype surrounding the 2019 NFL Draft class is the defensive line, and Nick Bosa is the cream of the crop in this class.
When it comes to the strengths in the 2019 NFL Draft class, edge rusher is clearly up with any position right now. More names are emerging to cloud the field, where it is tough to separate. However, one name stands alone atop the list, in his own category. That player is Ohio State edge rusher Nick Bosa.
The brother of Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa, the younger Bosa put together a strong freshman and sophomore season, even with the depth Ohio State had, especially his freshman year with his brother.
In 26 total games, Bosa put up 23 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.
Entering his junior season, expectations were sky-high. Everyone believed Bosa would have no trouble putting together a double-digit sack season. However, against TCU, Bosa suffered a groin injury and has officially stated he will not come back this season.
Bosa will move his focus to preparing for the combine, which is essentially him declaring for the NFL Draft before he can officially do so.
Position: EDGE
School: Ohio State
Year: Junior
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 270
Strengths:
Nick Bosa has a ton of strengths, which is why he’s at the top or near the top of everyone’s big board right now.
Bosa has an excellent array of moves to win along the edge. He can win by bending the edge to get around tackles without much contact, though that isn’t very often. Bosa also does a great job messing with his opponent, often jabbing inside or outside to freeze the tackle to gain an advantage.
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His main plan of attack usually involves great hand usage. He usually gains the advantage with his hands, whether it be with a club, chop, or a hand swipe.
One thing to mention about his hand usage, and this is something that separates himself from everyone in the class. Most often, you will see pass rushers try to get upfield right away off the snap, but as soon as they engage with a tackle, they stop moving. This isn’t the case with Bosa. He continues to move his feet to keep the tackle off balance while using his hands, which suggests an extremely high ceiling.
Bosa also does well against the run. He shows great gap integrity, and can stack and shed opponents with great upper and lower body strength. Ohio State has thrown him inside in their scheme, and he has enough quickness and strength to either work around blockers or engage them to get them off balance to make plays in the backfield.
Bosa is extremely scheme versatile, which teams will like leading up to the draft. He can play the traditional 4-3 end spot, but he can move inside to a three technique on any down. This is also a big reason why we could see him come off the board first.
He also has a fantastic motor and wants to finish every single play. Bosa doesn’t give up on the play, constantly using his hands to gain any opening and try to be the first to the quarterback. He will turn and chase down plays if he overruns them.
Weaknesses:
Bosa usually wins with hand usage, whether it be to throw the opponent off balance or to gain that extra bit of juice around the edge. One thing Bosa isn’t elite at is the ability to win around the edge with pure speed and athleticism. He doesn’t have that explosive first step off the snap. There are times when you watch Bosa that you see some false steps off the snap as well.
It is very likely that Bosa won’t test extremely well at the combine either. He isn’t a super special athlete, but he does make up for that elsewhere. The groin injury will be checked on by NFL teams, but shouldn’t be a major concern.
Pro Comparison: Yannick Ngakoue
The obvious comparison for Nick Bosa would be to his brother Joey Bosa, who, when healthy, is dominating in the NFL with the Chargers. He has similar traits to his brother, but baby Bosa has a bit more explosiveness and is a better pass rusher. The way he wins most often on the edge is very similar to Jaguars pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Ngakoue is excellent with hand usage off the snap and at the top of the arc.
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Projection: First Round (Top-5)
Right now, Bosa has a top two grade in the 2019 NFL Draft class. Is Bosa the most athletic, explosive athlete on the edge? No he isn’t. But, his technical ability and his ability to win on the edge in multiple ways will have teams drooling. His scheme versatility will also be enticing to teams.
It is extremely likely that Bosa will be one of the first three off the board come NFL Draft time and has a decent shot to be the top selection.