One of the nation’s top defensive linemen is heading to the NFL. Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa will skip his final year of eligibility with the Buckeyes and enter the 2016 NFL Draft, Urban Meyer announced today ahead of the Fiesta Bowl.
Urban Meyer says DE Joey Bosa will turn pro after the Fiesta Bowl.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) December 31, 2015
Bosa is ranked as the top edge rusher in the 2016 NFL Draft pool by Josh Norris of Rotoworld. Norris also had Bosa as a top draft pick in an earlier mock draft.
“Joey Bosa is outstanding. He is explosive and presses blockers back or uses strength to shed,” Norris says in his position rankings. “I bet he is a [force player] by qualifying with jumps. Do not expect a bendy, speed rusher.”
This season, Bosa was fourth in the Big Ten in tackles for a loss with 16.0, and he was often double teamed by opponents this fall. Bosa led the Big Ten with 21.0 tackles for a loss in 2014, playing in all 15 games for Ohio State. Bosa entered the 2015 season already being considered a potential top draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, so his decision to head to the NFL now is hardly a surprise. Ohio State will lose a massive piece of the defensive line, but the Buckeyes and the coaching of defensive line coach Larry Johnson should find a way to plug the hole just fine.
Bosa will leave behind quite an accomplished college career. Aside from embracing an emoticon signature stance, Bosa leaves Ohio State with a Big Ten title, a Sugar Bowl victory and a College Football Playoff national championship. Bosa also earned individual honors as a two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American selection in 2014. Big shoes to fill, of course, in Columbus.