Former Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa has the potential to be an NFL star. He is expected to be selected in the first few picks when the NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday. Most mock drafts have him going to the San Francisco 49ers, who look to further strengthen their pass rush after trading for Dee Ford in March.
There are some reservations about Bosa, though. There are concerns over his ability to stay healthy. Then there are questions surrounding his social media activity.
ESPN asked Bosa in April why he deleted social media posts praising President Donald Trump.
"I had to," he responded. "There is a chance I might end up in San Francisco."
Bosa also deleted tweets where he called former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick a "clown" following his protests against social injustice. Then there is the issue of him liking some other questionable posts.
49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with the media on Monday and assured reporters that the team had done its due diligence on the draft prospects in whom they are interested.
"I think, just in general, I would tell you that we look at everything," Lynch said. "I think we try to be as thorough in the process as we can. That is something we look at it, but we also look at what kind of teammate is he. What do his teammates think about him? And when I say 'him,' I'm speaking of any prospect.
"In particular, when you talk about guys who are going to go that high, you've vetted these guys in every way. You try to look at things like that. What kind of member of your organization will this guy be in every respect? You look at it all. We've done that with all the prospects we might be considering at that spot."
The 49ers used every opportunity, including talking to teammates and coaches at the Combine and pro days, to make their evaluations. What does Lynch think about Bosa specifically in regards to the scrutiny he has recently come under?
"I think that he's a great teammate," Lynch said of Bosa. "I'm not going to get too far because a lot can happen at [No. 1]. He can go one ... In general, we spend a lot of time vetting these guys and everything about them, and you put something into all of it."
Bosa would strengthen the 49ers' pass rush, which has been underwhelming in recent years. Lynch believes his team is close to being dominant when it comes to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
"We feel really good about what Dee Ford has added to us," Lynch said. "And we do feel if we can add more pieces, we're going to have that chance (to be dominant)."
"Nick is a heck of a player," Lynch added about Bosa. "He's one we've really enjoyed studying throughout this process."
The 49ers have had ample opportunity to speak with Bosa about any concerns they might have. The team met with the former Buckeye at the Combine, his pro day, and hosted him for a pre-draft visit.
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