Chargers DC: Have To Build Around Joey Bosa

Last year I called Joey Bosa a bust waiting to happen. Boy did I miss on that one as he was named defensive rookie of the year in 2016. New Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley spoke about the prospects of building the defense around the shiny defensive end via the team’s official website.

“What a great year he had.  You talk about a competitor!  There is a lot that goes into being able to come in that early into the NFL and play at the level he played at his first year. I knew when we were scouting Joey Bosa (while with the Jaguars) that this is the player he is with his work ethic.  Football is extremely important to him, and he is highly competitive.  When you put on the tape and watch it, that is what you see play in and play out.  He had a fabulous first year, and now the challenge is we have to add to it”.

Bradley runs a sort of hybrid 4-3 defense that often times includes a Leo linebacker to rush the passer. Bosa is probably versatile enough to blitz the quarterback with his hand in the dirt or standing up. The Chargers will have plenty of cap space and the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to continue to improve their defense.