Detroit Lions: Top NFL Draft Pick Options

Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State

The sales pitch 

Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Bosa is a dominant player on a pro-style defense. He has NFL pedigree; his father John was a first-round pick in 1987 and his uncle Eric Kumerow was a first-rounder in 1988. At 6’6” and 275 pounds, he’s got ideal frame and natural strength to play 4-3 end. Bosa has 46.5 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks in 37 career games. He has rare power-to-speed pass rushing ability but also enough twitchy muscle to create problems with his speed and quickness. The Florida native is ready to play right out of the box.

Bosa plays to the echo of the whistle on every snap and does not get outworked or outhustled. He brings the pain with serious force to his hits, not unlike Ray Lewis. Takes over games at times, witness these consecutive plays against Indiana this fall:

The downside

Throughout his tenure in Columbus, Bosa has played with NFL talent around him. While that acclimates him for next-level play, it also benefits him greatly at the college level as opponents have many other players to worry about. He would not get that boost with the Lions, other than Ansah on the opposite flank. Hand usage is often rudimentary and No. 97 doesn’t shed blocks by means other than bulling the blocker backwards very often.

His optimal NFL position is strongside defensive end, which is not typically a premium position. While the Lions certainly need help at the position, there are bigger needs on the offensive line, defensive tackle and in the secondary.

Next: Laremy Tunsil