Joey Bosa NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Chargers Rookie

POSITIVES

The son of former first-rounder John Bosa and the nephew of former first-rounder Eric Kumerow, Joey Bosa has football in his blood. Now he's bested his elders, both of whom were picked No. 16 overall.

A prototypical 4-3 defensive end, Bosa has the athletic tools and production that rarely leaves the first five picks of the draft. He has the hips to turn and squeeze the edge, the arm length (33 ⅜”) to keep blockers off his chest and the motor to run down backside plays across the field. In an NFL obsessed with pass-rushers, Bosa is the best the defensive linemen group has to offer.

Bosa looks the part with ideal length and thickness throughout his frame. He’s flexible, agile and explosive coming out of a two- or three-point stance. His production matches the potential, as Bosa tallied 37 tackles for a loss in the last two seasons and added 18.5 sacks in that time.

Playing either in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense in the NFL, Bosa has the hand strength to win battles up front. He’s able to lock onto tackles and drive them off the ball with a good bull rush but can also set them up with a false step and quick explosion off the corner.

A strong tackler, Bosa doesn’t get enough credit for being a lockdown defender on the edge. He contains his corner well and will make tackles both in space and in traffic but always while protecting the boundary.

Entering the NFL, Bosa is pro-ready. He knows how to set up blockers and can create separation with hip snaps, hand fights or head fakes. He’ll turn the corner with speed and convert that burst to power. He’s a complete defensive end prospect with All-Pro potential.

NEGATIVES

Bosa dropped weight—down to 269 pounds from a playing weight of 285—to run faster at the combine and failed to move the needle with a 4.86-second time. He improved at his pro day, but it leaves scouts wondering if he can stand up as an edge-rusher or if he’s a true down lineman.

Missed tackles show up for Bosa when you watch him against big competition. Going back to the Ohio State title run in 2014, there were times his effort lagged at the end of plays. Being a more complete finisher will be key if he’s to live up to expectations. Cutting down on silly offside penalties will also be a must, as Bosa too often jumps the gun.

Bosa also dealt with a suspension that cost him the first game of the 2015 season.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 269 lbs.

40 Time: 4.86s

3-Cone: 6.89s

Short Shuttle: 4.21s

PRO COMPARISON: Greg Hardy, NFL Free Agent
FINAL GRADE: 7.20/9.00 (Round 1—Rookie Starter)