With the third pick, the San Diego Chargers select Joey Bosa to strengthen the defensive line
After the first two picks went to quarterbacks, the Chargers had their top player on their board fall into their lap. With that pick, the the Chargers nabbed the top interior d-lineman in this year’s class. Bosa will be a day one starter at the five-tech opposite Corey Liuget, but will move inside when it comes to nickel and dime packages to face off against guards and centers.
There’s concern about his position flexibility, as Bosa played in a 4-3 defense at Ohio State, and there’s wonder if he has the size to be a 3-4 defensive end. But at 6-foot-6, 275 lbs Bosa could add a few pounds and become an edge setter. Don’t count out his pass-rushing skills, however. In three years as a starter, Bosa sacked opposing QBs 51 times and forced five fumbles. At times, he can play out of control and get his nose out over his toes, but part of that aggressiveness is what gives him that success, racking up 148 total tackles in his career. He also played on a very talented defensive line, making it very hard for teams to double team him in passing situations.
There were also a few concerns about Bosa’s off the field activity, being suspended for one game as a junior for violation of team rules, but that shouldn’t be a problem. There was also a worry that he wouldn’t live up the hype, creating plenty of highlight reel plays in college, but he is still a very athletic d-lineman who will contribute from day 1.
For the Chargers, this pick makes sense as they’d been searching for an end opposite Liuget for some time, and with Ryan Matthews leaving for Pittsburgh, the depth was absolutely lacking at the position.