NFL Draft 2016: Joey Bosa drafted 3rd overall by Chargers

Bosa, an All-American and two-time Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, battled against double — and sometimes triple — teams all season, and still managed to contribute five sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Over the course of his three-year college career, Bosa racked up 26 sacks and 51 tackles for loss.

At the combine, Bosa’s 40-yard dash time of 4.86 was slower than expected and around the middle of the pack for his position group, but he fared well in other events. His three-cone drill time of 6.89 seconds was second-best among all defensive ends, and his 4.21-second 20-yard shuttle was tied for second-best in his position group.

In Bosa, the Chargers are getting a NFL-ready edge rusher with uncanny quickness and really clean technique. Bosa’s speed and understanding of how to use his strength and skill to his advantage made him nearly impossible to contain in college.

Ronnie Stanley, one of the best tackles in the 2016 draft, explained to Campus Rush why it’s difficult for opponents to game plan for Bosa.

“He creates pressure on pretty much everyone he’s gone against,” says Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, another presumptive first-round NFL pick next spring. “I guess he doesn’t [always] get the sack, but the pressure’s still there. He’s definitely creating chaos.”

Illinois tried to contain Bosa by triple-teaming him.

They really didn’t have a choice. Right tackle Christian DiLauro was no match for Bosa.

His former teammate, Ezekiel Elliott, had high praise for Bosa on the Rich Eisen Show.

“I’ve never seen anyone bust him going one-on-one,” Elliott said. “It’s rare to see people who can double team him. The only time I’ve seen him contained is on triple teams. He’s a guy that you have to game plan around. He’s a guy that you have to know where he’s at on the field the whole time. That’s just a guy who you honestly don’t want to see on an opposing defense.”

Bosa demonstrated his dominance against Ohio State’s arch rival, Michigan, with this pass he tipped to himself and intercepted. For good measure, he even stiff-armed the quarterback pursuing him.

Former Buckeye tight end Nick Vannett, when asked about the toughest player he faced throughout his college career, pointed to Bosa over any player from an opposing team.

Bosa isn’t a flawless player, though. Stephen White noted in his scouting report for Bosa that he is stiff in the hips and that his technique may not be enough against elite talent at the next level. These issues may mean that, while Bosa has a higher floor than other prospects at the position, he also may have a lower ceiling. Still, White acknowledged the traits that brought Bosa so much success in college.

Bosa does a great job of coming off the ball and getting his hands inside on blockers against the run so that he can control them. He also almost always uses an escape move to get off blocks. His footwork and hand coordination on pass-rush moves are consistent and textbook almost all of the time.

As relentless as he is on the field, his personality off of it is the polar opposite. Bosa is about as laid back as he could be. USA Today even speculated that he might be “too chill” for the NFL. Speaking to the media at the combine, Bosa disagreed.

“I don’t have to change,” Bosa said at the combine. “I think I’m a likable guy.”

Just how laid back is Bosa? Well, when the Buckeyes visited the White House after winning the inaugural College Football Playoffs National Championship, Bosa shrugged at President Barack Obama.

Bosa drew high praise from Urban Meyer, who has coached some talented players throughout his career.