Summary

Joey Bosa was selected in Round 1 (#3 Overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of The Ohio State University. One of the most polished edge prospects of his era, Bosa was a dominant collegiate defender, recording 26 sacks, 51 tackles for loss, and earning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (2014) along with Consensus All-American honors. At the professional level, Bosa has been one of the league’s most productive edge defenders when healthy. Through the 2024 season, he has totaled 70+ career sacks, 150+ quarterback hits, and 80+ tackles for loss, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2016), five Pro Bowl selections, and multiple All-Pro honors. Bosa is widely respected for his competitiveness, preparation, football IQ, and professional approach, known as a tone-setting defender with high standards for himself and teammates.

Strengths

• Elite Pass-Rush Technique: Advanced hand usage, counters, and rush sequencing. Son of a former NFL player who has grown up with constant reinforcement of technique.

• Power & Leverage: Converts speed to power and collapses pockets consistently. Effective rushing from wide alignments or reduced inside.

• Edge Setting: Strong, disciplined run defender who anchors the edge.

• Block Destruction: Strong hands to disengage and shed. Relentless finisher who strains through contact and hand fights to convert pressures into sacks..

Weaknesses

• Durability Concerns: Injury history has limited availability in recent seasons. Some questions have permeated that if the constant turmoil on his lower body may have drained him earlier than expected.

• Thin Skin/Emotionally Bombastic: Short-circuited after the epic Jaguars second half playoff come back against the Chargers and was tossed from the game. Has been caught on video mixing it up with fans who have heckled him outside of the stadium.

• Age Curve: Athletic decline must be monitored as career progresses. Best effectiveness comes with managed workloads.

• Cap/Value Consideration: High-end veteran cost relative to availability risk. May end up being a short-term band-aid on a salary cap-inflated Bills team.

Outlook

Bosa fits best in an attacking, multiple-front defense that values edge discipline, power rushing, and interior/exterior flexibility. He would pair well with a length-and-effort edge like Greg Rousseau, allowing Buffalo to create complementary pressure—Rousseau stressing with length and Bosa winning with technique and power. Bosa’s ability to reduce inside on passing downs would also enhance Buffalo’s interior pressure packages. Looking ahead, Bosa projects as a high-impact EDGE starter when healthy, with game-altering pass-rush value. While durability necessitates rotational planning and snap management, his technical mastery and instincts give him a high floor even as athletic traits taper. In a contending environment, Bosa profiles as a difference-making veteran capable of elevating a pass rush for playoff runs, provided usage is optimized and health is managed. With Buffalo likely looking to “cut the fat” on contracts with a bulk of Josh Allen’s mega-contract about to toll in earnest, Bosa better get ready to learn Nashville.