How national media graded the Chargers’ selection of Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa:
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
This kid is a better player than people think. Love this pick for the Chargers. Grade: A
Doug Farrar, SI.com
This is a curious pick, when you consider that Bosa may not be the best defensive lineman in this draft class, and he’s a tweener for San Diego’s 3-4 scheme. If he keeps his weight down and plays OLB, he’s got average speed and will have to max out his technique. If he bulks up as a 3-4 end, that’s a separate issue when it comes to his speed. The Chargers are clearly betting on Bosa’s football intellect, but they may bump up against his low ceiling sooner rather than later. Grade: D
Steven Ruiz, USA Today
It’s time to throw out the distinction between 4-3 and 3-4 defenses, and this pick is proof of that. The Chargers are nominally a 3-4 team, and Bosa’s skill set doesn’t necessarily fit in that scheme. But with today’s spread-out offenses, teams are spending more time in nickel sets than base formations. Bosa may be uncomfortable as a stand-up outside linebacker, but he’ll spend most of his time with his hand in the dirt. While the scheme fit shouldn’t be much of a concern, pas on talents like Laremy Tunsil and Jalen Ramsey — both would fill needs — doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Grade: C-plus
SAN DIEGO VIEW: Canepa: Chargers make good choice in Bosa
Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report
(Optimum Scouting) determined that when lined up between the tackles, Bosa generated quarterback pressure on 60 percent of plays. When double-teamed, Bosa created pressure 40 percent of the time. The double-team figure is remarkable: No other top prospect generated pressure with two blockers draped over him more than 16 percent of the time. Bosa’s ability to hand fight and slide inside to cause mismatches makes him more like Chandler Jones but with higher upside. Grade: B-plus
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports
Bosa is, without a doubt, the most polished defensive end in the draft, as he can play well against the run and he has the ability to get to the er with regularity. He tends to play with a better motor than most “ rushers” as he is a technician against the run, playing with solid leverage and above-average strength. I love the way that he uses his hands and separates from blockers consistently.
SAN DIEGO VIEW: Acee: Chargers go right direction with Bosa
Eric D. Williams, ESPN.com
The Chargers significantly upgraded the team’s run defense with the addition of Bosa. At 6-foot-5, 269 pounds, not only is Bosa stout against the run, but he’ll add juice to an ailing San Diego rush that hasn’t finished in the top 10 in the NFL in sacks since 2010. Thumbs up.
Todd McShay, ESPN (via Twitter)
Surprised just about everyone, but I love this pick. Forget fit. SD will make Bosa a fit. He’s a tone-setter. Excellent power and hands. Speed can be overrated. Look at a lot of top sack leaders in recent years. Quickness, power, savvy and great hands. Bosa is all of that! No. 1 player on our board since last August. Bosa has versatility to wear multiple hats on a multiple front. Smart pick.
