Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa won't be eligible to enter the NFL draft until 2016, but the Buckeyes sophomore has nevertheless made the NFL take notice.
An AFC director of college scouting told NFL Media's Albert Breer that Bosa is similar to former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kearney, who amassed 82.5 career sacks, and could even be better. But the same scout put the brakes on any comparisons to Houston Texans star J.J. Watt.
"A Patrick Kearney-type player, and will probably surpass that next year if he continues to develop," the director said.
As for Watt: "J.J. is so big and athletic, and Bosa will never be 290 pounds or that long. But Bosa has speed-to-power rush ability and can handle all blockers with finesse and power. He matches up with all. He's a good effort player with talent -- tough matchup. And he plays his best when the game is on the line."
Of course, Bosa has made it known that he isn't on board with the Watt comparisons, either.
A week ago, former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage tweeted that one NFL club used Bosa's freshman season in 2013 as a baseline measure for evaluating offensive tackles for the 2014 draft. Bosa will take on Alabama tackle Cam Robinson in the Sugar Bowl national semifinal on Jan. 1. Robinson has been one of the top true freshmen in the SEC this season, dominating both as a run blocker and pass blocker on the left side.
Bosa leads the Buckeyes in tackles for loss (20.5), sacks (13.5) and forced fumbles (four) this season.
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