San Diego Chargers: Joey Bosa Pick Safe and Promising
By Andrew Long
The San Diego Chargers landed Joey Bosa at third overall, a move that was both surprising and safe. What does he bring to the table for the Bolts?
The San Diego Chargers were given the opportunity to select from a slew of talented prospects at number three in the 2016 NFL Draft. The team selected the player that many believed was the best in the entire draft, bringing in defensive end Joey Bosa out of Ohio State.
It’s likely the safest route that the Chargers could take, but, admittedly, I’m a bit surprised – it’s not a skill level thing, not at all, it’s just I thought that DeForest Buckner was a better fit in their scheme, and Jalen Ramsey could’ve been a great addition to their secondary.
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That being said, the Chargers are getting an absolute monster of a player in Joey Bosa. There’s no questioning his skill level, as he displayed his ability to dominate opposing linemen and players over the course of his career at Ohio State. He’s not a player that will have to take a few years to fill out, either, as his frame is thick and his arms are strong.
His ability to use his size and strength will undoubtedly play a huge role in his success in the pros, as everybody will be a lot larger and stronger at the professional level, resulting in situations that will require strength and athleticism.
Regardless of where the Chargers decide to put him on the field, I firmly believe that Bosa will find a way to succeed in the National Football League, specifically the AFC West. If you take a look at the teams that share the division with San Diego, you’ll quickly realize that some of their best players are pass-rushers.
The Oakland Raiders can lean on the skills of Khalil Mack, as he’s one of the best pass-rushers in the league. The Denver Broncos have much of the same with Von Miller lining up on the edge for their ferocious defense. Then there’s the Kansas City Chiefs, who have Justin Houston, a 27-year-old that has recorded 56 sacks in five seasons as a pro.
With the addition of Joey Bosa, it’s possible that the San Diego Chargers have found a superstar pass-rusher of their own. In three years at Ohio State, according to Sports-Reference.com, the defensive end recorded 148 tackles, 51 tackles for a loss, 26 sacks, and five forced fumbles. A majority of his sacks came in 2014, though, when he corralled opposing quarterbacks a total of 13.5 times.
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While his success was minimal in 2015, his physical traits and style of play lead me to believe that he will be a good player at the next level. It wasn’t the flashiest pick for San Diego, but it was a pick that will offer a good return. I believe that selecting Joey Bosa was the safest route the Chargers could have taken.