Defensive end: Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers
When the Chargers drafted Bosa, it was thought they’d be turning him into a 3-4 defensive end. And while he did play some inside last year, he was almost exclusively used on the edge, which made a lot more sense. He’s an edge player. And he dominated in that role.
Despite missing the first four games of the season after a ridiculous contract dispute with the Chargers, Bosa ended up finishing the year with 10.5 sacks, good for No. 13 in the NFL. He also racked up 41 tackles and showed up well against the run.
In addition to his impressive sack totals, Bosa pressured quarterbacks at an elite level, earning a top-five grade by Pro Football Focus.
. @JBBigBear is only 12 games into his career, but what a 12 games they were… pic.twitter.com/BOSLyT4VDh
— PFF (@PFF) May 11, 2017
Oh, and he won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Playing. In. Just. Twelve. Games.