In this series, I’m going to be choosing my five favorite Chargers on the current roster. Coming in at No. 3 is…
*My five favorite current Chargers: No. 5
*My five favorite current Chargers: No. 4
Man, I’m having fun with this series.
At No. 5, I went with a rookie who is going to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. At No. 4, I went with the best cornerback in the league. And like the Chargers did going heavy defense in the 2018 draft, I followed that same path in this series.
My next favorite Charger has only been in the league for three years (including this upcoming season) and is already regarded as one of the best defensive ends in the league. And his name is: JOEY BOSA.
Remember when we heard Bosa’s named called with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft? I do. I thought Bosa was a beast coming out of college, but I didn’t see the Chargers taking him at all because of the scheme they ran. Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey was my top option for the Chargers.
But unlike many fans, I didn’t panic. In fact, I wrote an article explaining why the Bosa selection was a good one and that he had the potential to be the best pass rusher the Chargers have had since Shawn Merriman. Well, Bosa went on to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he only played in 12 games! I don’t want to flaunt, but I feel pretty good about it.
Bosa helped turn this defense around. He has 23 career sacks in two seasons (28 games played). This past season, Bosa set the record for the most sacks through his first 20 games as a pro. He had the seventh-most sacks (12.5) and forced the fourth-most fumbles (four) among all defenders. Not only is Bosa elite, but he makes his teammates around him that much better. Fellow edge rusher Melvin Ingram always had the talent, but having a partner-in-crime like Bosa has upped his game (that, and finally staying healthy). The duo had the most total quarterback pressures last season, as noted by Pro Football Focus.
I’m a huge fan of Bosa’s energy and relentless on the field. Football aside, I love Bosa’s personality. Based off interviews, he has a good sense of humor and seems like a chill dude with a confident demeanor. He makes some funny remarks in games, too. Just listen below:
.@jbbigbear & @MelvinIngram are unstoppable.
Help send them to the Pro Bow⬇️ https://t.co/UVNlwBS54H pic.twitter.com/m8qZ1JC8Uy
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) November 20, 2017
I wanted to put Bosa at No. 2. I almost had to redo this list since friends of mine always said I looked like him when he had long hair at Ohio State (I’m just five inches shorter and 60 pounds lighter.. not too much difference). If anything, he’s tied with the next guy on the list.
On a serious note, Bosa’s going to get paid in the near future. We see stars move on to other teams every now and then, but I just hope Tom Telesco makes sure Bosa stays a Charger for life, no matter what the cost.