Bosa his own Biggest Critic at Chargers Practice

Joey Bosa was one of the most highly touted prospects at this year’s NFL draft. His size, speed, college resume and endless comparisons to pass rushing superstar J.J. Watt had some believing he might even be picked first overall before being drafted third by the San Diego Chargers. But for all his talent, Bosa is quickly learning the NFL is a different beast.

“It was completely different,” Bosa said of his first practice to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “You’re going against monsters out there…the first day I probably didn’t win one rep in pass rush.

Regardless of your shining potential, or your team’s not-so-gleaming reputation last year, getting up to speed in the pros is always a steep learning curve. Bosa would have been competing against many members of San Diego’s woeful offensive line from 2015; a unit couldn’t stay healthy, and conceded 40 sacks (the second most sustained by quarterback Philip Rivers in his twelve-year career).

So desperate was San Diego’s desire for pass protection that just about every meaningful mock draft in the country had then taking an offensive lineman third overall. But with Laremy Tunsil’s draft stock rapidly sliding after an ill-timed video leak, and Ronnie Stanley deemed too much of a reach at number three, the Chargers instead “settled” for arguably the most complete defensive lineman of this year’s class.

A few days after Bosa’s self-deprecating comments, he claimed he was “really starting to get a hang of it again” and that his “moves we’re coming back.” With Corey Liuget the only other noteworthy name on the Chargers’ DE depth chart, the team will need Bosa to keep getting better throughout training camp and preseason.

Some teams picking in the top ten – like the Ravens and Cowboys – were unfortunate enough to have their season derailed by injuries to key personnel despite a talented roster. The Chargers were not one of those teams. With a lack of depth and dependability in multiple position groups, the Chargers will be looking for Bosa to lead this draft class into a brighter future.