INDIANAPOLIS -- Don't let the laid-back personality fool you: Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa doesn't lack for any confidence. The former Buckeyes star believes he's the best player in the 2016 NFL Draft, and said so Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"I do, I do believe I'm the best player in the draft," Bosa said. "As a top player, if you don't believe that, there's something wrong. ... I think (I'm) the best pass rusher, the best defensive lineman in the country."
Apparently, the Tennessee Titans don't doubt the possibility. The Titans, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, are doing their due diligence on Bosa. According to sources, the Titans used a significant portion of the 15-minute combine interview allotment with RB Ezekiel Elliott to ask probing questions about the defensive end. Elliott is an OSU teammate, close friend and former OSU roommate of Bosa's. It's not unusual for prospects to be asked about their college teammates. Still, the Titans are believed to be more strongly considering Ole Miss left tackle Laremy Tunsil with the top pick, in an effort to improve pass protection for its first-round pick last year, quarterback Marcus Mariota.
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranks Bosa as the fourth-best prospect in the draft, behind Tunsil, FSU DB Jalen Ramsey and UCLA LB Myles Jack. Among the factors that could be of concern to clubs regarding Bosa are his suspension from the Buckeyes' season-opening game against Virginia Tech. Bosa moved into an apartment and lived alone during his final season at OSU, reportedly to avoid distractions.
"I'll discuss that with the teams. I'm sure it'll be a little uncomfortable, but I've got to do what I've got to do," Bosa said of the suspension.
Bosa said he will perform every drill at the combine.
If he's the best player in the draft, it should be quite a show.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
