Scouting Profile: Joey Bosa's not the next J.J. Watt, but can be an impact player

by
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 28-30 in Chicago.

Joey Bosa

Position: DE
School: Ohio State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-5
Weight: 269 lbs.
Age: 20

NFL player comparison: Jared Allen

Let's be clear: Bosa is not the next J.J. Watt, though his similar appearance and personality have made the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year a popular comp pick. Bosa compares more favorably to 4-3 edge-rushers like Jared Allen and Michael Strahan, which shouldn't be considered a major slight. Watt is a once-in-a-generation player.

Draft Projection: Round 1 (top 10 overall)

Strengths

  • Excellent fundamentals. Footwork and hand usage are by the book.
  • Very quick off the snap. Converts speed to power.
  • Disciplined. Rarely loses contain or gives up on a play.
  • Strong against the run.
  • Versatile enough to take some snaps inside.
  • Experience in big games.

Weaknesses

  • Hip stiffness is an occasional issue. Struggles to turn the corner in tight spaces.
  • Too reliant on a small set of pass-rush moves.
  • Lacks speed in the open field.
  • Play recognition needs improvement.
  • Some character concerns. Suspended for Ohio State's 2015 opener.

Combine Results

Event Result
40-yd Dash 4.86 sec
Bench Press 24 reps
Vertical Jump 32 inches
Broad Jump 120 inches
3-Cone Drill 6.89 sec
20-yd Shuttle 4.21 sec

The Digest

Scouting Profiles: Breaking down the top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft

by theScore Staff
Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class, leading up to the NFL Draft which takes place from April 28-30 in Chicago.

Tap the links below to see a full scouting report for each player.

Quarterbacks

Carson Wentz
Jared Goff
Paxton Lynch
Christian Hackenberg
Connor Cook

Running Backs

Ezekiel Elliott
Derrick Henry

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Laquon Treadwell
Corey Coleman
Josh Doctson

Offensive Linemen

Laremy Tunsil
Ronnie Stanley
Jack Conklin

Defensive Linemen

DeForest Buckner
Joey Bosa
Shaq Lawson
Sheldon Rankins

Linebackers

Myles Jack
Jaylon Smith
Reggie Ragland
Leonard Floyd
Darron Lee

Defensive Backs

Jalen Ramsey
Vernon Hargreaves III
Vonn Bell

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