The 49ers have been desperately searching for a edge rusher since Aldon Smith. Now, they don’t only have one, but two by drafting Bosa to pair with Dee Ford. The Philadelphia Eagles laid the roadmap for never having enough talented defensive linemen and now the 49ers boast Ford, Bosa, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas.
The 49ers defensive line has been a mockery in years past, but with one draft pick like Bosa it’s turned that unit into one of the most lethal groups in the NFL. Bravo, Mr. Lynch you got the right guy in the former Buckeye.
Now who is the newest 49er? Let's take a look back at our "Know Your Prospect" profile on Bosa.
Speed? Check. Size? Check. Strength? Check? Versatile? Check.
Hands? — Double check
Nick Bosa may have some of the best hand usage we’ve seen from a college pass rusher in recent memory. He has the hands of a savvy veteran throughout his rush approach. Bosa doesn’t just use his hands to create separation at the point of contact, he uses them relentlessly through the entire rush. Bosa keeps offensive linemen at a distance with his leverage and can become untouchable with his different technical stabs.
Bosa seems to have an approach with every rush that will often keep offensive linemen confused. He uses his athletic traits to set up his rush then attacks with hands that don’t stop. Bosa has an extensive pass rush repertoire that’ll rival some NFL all-pros. He can attack offensive linemen with a polished array of moves like chops, rips, clubs, push-pulls and anything else you want to call it, but whatever it is, I bet Bosa will be successful with it.
It’s rare a college pass rusher is heralded for their run-stuffing ability, but Bosa is a straight up bulldog in the run game. He’s a true four down defensive linemen, which is the type of player the 49ers will need with their shiny new wide-nine defense.
The acquisition of Dee Ford will provide a new dynamic to the 49ers defense, but Ford is primarily used as a speed rusher. Ford isn’t awful in the run, but Bosa would solidify the edge for the 49ers rush defense. Bosa easily stacks up defenders with his leverage ability at the line of scrimmage. It can be surprising to see how easy it is for Bosa to stand up offensive linemen with his power and leverage. Bosa can redirect runs time after time with his ability to stone offensive linemen and clog gaps. Bosa posted a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.4 in 2017 when he played a career-high, 195 run plays.
You should know by now that Bosa comes from a football family. His brother Joey, is a stud for the Los Angeles and his father, John, was a first-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 1987. Bosa grew up around the game and it shows up on the field. Bosa checks off on some intangibles like awareness, motor and football IQ. Bosa is very aware on the football field. He’s a technician that doesn’t waste steps and plays with a purpose at the line of scrimmage.
Bosa always knows where he is on the field, even in the pass rush he has a very unique sense of timing and angles. He tends to cut the corner at the perfect time in his pass rush set. Bosa also has some of the best timing in his approach you'll see from a prospect. He understands when to attack offensive linemen, whether that be using shuffle steps off the line of scrimmage or hesitations to set up the perfect timing in his rush.
Bosa has a sixth sense on the football field that you have to believe he was born with. He easily filters through the trenches to find the football in every situation. Nothing ever seemed to confuse Bosa while he was playing in the Horseshoe.