Who You Got: Battle of the Bosas

JOEY BOSA – DE – Los Angeles Chargers

Profile

Standing 6’5” and weighing 280 lbs., Joey Bosa fits the build of a prototypical defensive end. Joey is 25 years old entering his 5th NFL season. He was drafted third overall by the Chargers in 2016 coming out of Ohio State University.

Pros

As mentioned already, Joey Bosa brings prototypical size to the position, as well as a mix of speed and power. He seems to have an endless motor at times. Joey already has four years of elite production while playing in a system that allows him to attack. The Chargers’ defensive line has another stud pass rusher, Melvin Ingram, opposite of Bosa. This keeps offenses from being able to focus solely on him and leads to fewer double teams. This offseason Joey signed a long term contract (5 years, $135 million) that should keep him in Los Angeles with the great situation explained above.

Cons

Injuries may be an issue as Joey Bosa has missed 13 games over the last three seasons. While his defensive situation has stayed the same, Los Angeles’ offense is in flux after the departure of Philip Rivers. With a struggling offense, the Chargers could be facing teams in a much more positive game script. This could mean fewer sack opportunities.

Stats

NICK BOSA – DE – San Francisco 49ers

Profile

Standing an inch shorter at 6’4” and weighing 34 lbs. less (266 lbs.) than his brother, Joey, is Nick Bosa. Nick will turn 23 years old during his second NFL season. While Joey may be able to hold his size and experience over his brother’s head, Nick Bosa was taken one pick earlier, at number two overall by the 49ers in 2019. 

Pros

Nick Bosa plays with incredible speed and leverage. Like Joey, he too has an endless motor. These abilities are what likely led to him making an immediate impact as a rookie. Unlike what the Chargers could be facing, the 49ers run an offense that could allow Nick to play in a system that will allow him to attack. Similar to Chargers though, the 49ers have multiple high-level pass rushers, including Arik Armstead and Dee Ford. While Nick Bosa doesn’t bring a high-level contract to the table, there are still four years left on his rookie deal.

Cons

Even though he finished the season with nine sacks, Nick Boas played 10 games without producing a sack in his rookie campaign. His small size, relative to the average NFL defensive end, should not be overlooked.

Stats

Final Assessment

Joey and Nick are both amazing talents with nearly identical profiles. Joey is a known commodity with a little extra size, and his production is proven. He knows he’ll be playing in Los Angeles through his prime and is a model IDP asset.

Nick Bosa is just 22 years old, has already produced a DE1 season, and plays on a team that will create positive game scripts for his skill set. However, he is on the smaller side of defensive ends and had some consistency problems.

So, what is the preference? The older player with years of bonafide NFL production but injury concerns, or the player with youth and potential who is smaller and less consistent?

I’ve got Nick Bosa. I expect he’ll put on weight as he grows into NFL form. He’s already proven he can hack it in the NFL, and he could potentially breakout into a top-five defensive end for years. Either Bosa will dominate the NFL for the years to come, but if you have the option to choose one, go with Nick!

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