2016 NFL Draft Player Breakdown: Joey Bosa

Is Joey Bosa the next J.J Watt?

Photo via ESPN

Let me get one thing off my chest  before we continue with our regularly scheduled program, Joey Bosa is NOT J.J Watt. The comparison between the two is lazy, plain and simple.  Yes, both players are powerful defensive lineman that inflict ill will on opposing quarterbacks.  Both players are considered "twitchy", relentlessly using a combination of quickness, power, and technique to defeat the offensive player lined up in front of them.  And yes, at the combine both players finished with eerily similar metrics, despite Bosa weighing in 20 pounds lighter than Watt.  However, the difference between the two players could not be more apparent.

Watt is a guy that can line up anywhere on the offensive line, creating mismatches wherever he goes.  He can use elite force, as well as finesse, to defeat an opposing tackle/guard/center, before destroying a quarterback.  Watt is a freakish athlete, one of the best to ever play the game.  Bosa will not have the same impact at the next level and that is okay.  Bosa relies heavily on quickness and technique and won't be able to bully an offensive lineman the way Watt does on a consistent basis.

Watt will go down as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, enormous shoes for Bosa to fill before ever playing a down in the NFL.  There is little doubt some team is going to be very, very happy in the player they get when drafting Bosa.  But for a team to expect him to be the next J.J Watt?  That is not realistic expectations for any player, not even Joey Bosa.

Who is Joey Bosa?

Joey Bosa is a Florida native.  He grew up in Fort Lauderdale, where he attended St. Thomas Aquinas high school.  Rivals.com ranked Bosa the fourth best defensive end in the class, awarding him with a four-star rating.  In April 2012, Bosa committed to Ohio State University, following in his family's footsteps.  As a true freshman, Bosa started in 10 games recording 42 tackles and 7.5 sacks.  His sophomore year, Bosa finished the season with 55 tackles and 13.5 sacks.  He was unanimously named a first-team All-American.  Prior to the 2015 season, Bosa was suspended for the first game due to an undisclosed reason.  He finished his junior year with 51 tackles, 1 interception, and 5 sacks.  On December 31, 2015, Joey Bosa announced his intentions to forego his senior year, entering the 2016 NFL Draft.

He achieved several accolades while at Ohio State.

• 2015 College All-American
• 2014 Unanimous All-American
• 2014-2015 First Team All-Big Ten
• 2014 Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year
• 2014-2015 Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year
• 2013 Freshman All-American
• 2013 Freshman All-Big Ten

Bosa comes from a long bloodline of athletes.  His father, John Bosa was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round (16th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft.  He is often considered to be one of the biggest draft busts in Dolphins' history. Additionally, his uncle Eric Kumerow was also drafted 16th overall by the Dolphins, in the 1988 draft. Although it is highly unlikely Bosa is available when the Dolphins draft at 13, he would be the third family member to play for the Miami Dolphins.

Film Room

Joey Bosa is a great football playe and will very likely be the first defensive lineman drafted. He will be an asset to any team looking for an every-down 4-3 defensive end.  As stated previously, Bosa will not blow you away with "Hulk-like" strength.  He relies heavily on quickness and technique, to fight his way to the quarterback.  His large frame is ideal for the NFL.  Bosa uses his long arms and powerful hands to manipulate opposing lineman.  Below are a few examples of what Joey Bosa will bring to the NFL.

From the beginning, the right tackle has little chance as Bosa explodes off the snap.  He uses his hands to fight off the tackle, clearing an open path to the quarterback. This is something you see often when watching tape on Bosa.  His explosion off the snap is second to none and should translate well to the NFL game.

As the ball is snapped, Bosa acts as though he is going to rush from the outside.  With one effortless motion, he plants his feet, swims inside the tackle, and accelerates towards the running back.

.

Bosa has shown the ability to line up at defensive tackle, using the same quickness and explosion to get to the quarterback.

Joey Bosa has tremendous upper body strength. He uses his long arms and power to manhandle the right tackle, forcing the quarterback out of the pocket.

The Skinny

At the beginning of free agency, the Dolphins swapped first round draft picks with the Philadelphia Eagles.  With Miami now selecting at 13, it is even less likely that the team has an opportunity to draft Bosa.  No matter where he gets drafted, the team that selects Bosa will be very happy with the player they choose.  He has the ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL and will be the staple of a defense for years to come.  Bosa may not be J.J Watt, but he will certainly be a difference maker at the next level.

All stats are from sports-reference.com

This article was written by Josh Houtz.  Follow him on Twitter!

Follow @Houtz