2019 NFL Draft: Nick Bosa is basically Richard Dent 2.0

Nick Bosa is widely proclaimed as one of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL draft. Does the tape back that up? Here’s what the scouting report says.

Position: DE

School: Ohio State

Year: Junior

Height: 6’4

Weight: 262 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• If people wanted to draw up how a defensive end should look in the NFL, Bosa would be a template. Big, well-proportioned, and clearly in great condition.
• Quick off the snap. Doesn’t show any signs of hesitation. Watches the ball and is off the second it leaves the ground, giving him the needed angle to beat the tackle to the edge.
• Despite being a big guy he clearly has plenty of flexibility. Keeps good leverage coming off the line and is able to dip his shoulder when tackles try to block him out of the lane.
• Power isn’t a problem. He has it in both the upper and lower body. He can deliver a straight bull rush or covert speed to power on inside counter moves or stunts.
• A superior athlete. He moves so well despite his size. Shifts side to side with ease. He’ll be able to fit on the edge in any defense, 4-3 or 3-4.

This is the picture of a true NFL pass rush. Despite being a bit late off the snap, Bosa gets up the field fast. The center tries to pull and block him up but Bosa wisely delivers a strong bull rush with full arm extension before he can get set. This rocks him off balance and then Bosa uses his continually churning legs to literally run him over. Then he maintains good balance and fights through the block to extend and bring the quarterback (Baker Mayfield) down for a sack.

• Disciplined and active with his hands. Doesn’t allow blockers to get into his body to stall his forward momentum and can shed them off when they do.
• Motor runs consistently. Does a good job keeping his legs moving even when he might be initially blocked, allowing him numerous second-chance opportunities.
• Doesn’t ignore his run defense duties. Keeps his head on a swivel to find the football and then chases the ball carrier down even when it’s not going his way.
• Sets the edge well, keeping the tackle from moving him out of position and either sheds to make the tackle or wait for help from his teammates.
• Comes from deep football bloodlines. His father John played in the NFL for three years and his brother Joey is in Los Angeles with the Chargers.

WEAKNESSES:

• He left school early in the 2018 season, so he never provided a full picture of how much he’s improved or not. Never had double-digit sacks in any season.
• Occasionally doesn’t maintain his gap discipline, particularly on read-option plays. Can get sucked down the line of scrimmage, leaving the outside edge wide open.
• While his handfighting is good, he has a tendency to keep his arms shortened up. Should try to use their full extension with his punches more often for maximum impact.

Pro Comparison:  Richard Dent

One has to wonder. Would Dent have been an 8th round pick if he’d gone to Ohio State back in the early 1980s rather than Tennessee State? Probably not. Either way, it didn’t take him long to show the world that he was one of the best pass rushers on the planet. Not only was he big and powerful at 6’5, 265 lbs. He was remarkably quick for his size and showed violent hands with an ability to consistently shed blockers. Didn’t matter where he lined up. He was getting the quarterback.

Projection: Top 5

Make no mistake. Bosa is a physical specimen with rich bloodlines. He comes from a top program in college football and his tape shows several examples of just how gifted a football player he is. The scary part is he’s still scratching the surface of what he can be. It would be a genuine shock if he didn’t go in the top 5 of the 1st round when April comes around and the safe bet is he’ll be the first player off the board. He’s that good.