Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock draft, Big Ten only edition
By Jonah Hovis
In the eyes of many, Nick Bosa is the best most sure-thing defensive player in this class. He showed off just why through his tenure Ohio State and has shown similarities to his brother, Joey Bosa a productive edge rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 6-foot-4, 266-pounds can best be described as a guy who loves football. Whether it’s on the field, during practice, and when he talks about the game, you can see his love for the art of the game. That shows in film-room as his high motor and willingness to do the dirty work are very apparent.
There’s no better fit for No. 1 overall in the Big-Ten mock draft, than Bosa. Still in contention to be the pick, as he is a high-powered sack machine. His power and speed rushing ability separates him from all the other prospects, his ability to come at you with all types of moves helps him get to the quarterback with ease. At the combine he showed his strength with 29 reps on the bench and showed solid speed with a 4.79 second 40-yard-dash, at 266 pounds is very impressive, which with translate to a high sack count.
Bosa would also be a really nice fit with who the Cardinals currently have. He would round out an edge rushing unit that already has Chandler Jones and now boasts Brooks Reed and Terrell Suggs. With those additions coupled with Jordan Hicks and Haason Reddick sitting at off-ball linebacker, the Cardinals defense would be miles better than last years.
Bosa is one of the best pass rushers in the draft, but he is far more than that. He’s not the most explosive guy, but he knows how to take proper angles, win with power, and win with techniques. His ability to run-stuff stems from all of these reasons as well as his determination. Per Pro Football Focus, he finished his Buckeye tenure with 55 run-stops.
Although selecting Bosa isn’t a selection that will sell jerseys like Kyler Murray, it may translate to success sooner rather than later. The Ohio State star is pro-ready and he’d benefit from being on a much better defense. But, as it currently stands, this may not happen.