Where would you rank San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa among the NFL's top pass rushers? Jeremy Fowler recently created a list of the 10 best edge rushers in a feature for ESPN, and the third-year player came in at No. 8. It's a significant drop for the 23-year-old defender, who was ranked No. 3 a year ago.
Fowler surveyed over 50 league executives, coaches, scouts, and players to compile his list.
"The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2021," wrote Fowler. "This is not a five-year projection or an achievement award. Who's the best today? Pretty simple."
At the top of Fowler's list is Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. Nick Bosa's brother, Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers, came in at No. 3. Last season's Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young, came in one spot ahead of Nick Bosa — at No. 7.
Bosa was the Defensive Rookie of the Year following his first NFL campaign in 2019. Expectations were high for the young defender entering his sophomore season, but an injury sidelined him for all but two games.
"The torn ACL in Week 2 last season caused Bosa's inevitable drop from No. 3 last year, but voters are still high on his elite ability in the long term," wrote Fowler.
While he wasn't able to showcase his progress last season, evaluators still remember Bosa's rookie campaign, which ended with the pass rusher racking up nine sacks, 47 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 25 tackles for a loss, an interception, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble.
"Instincts and technique -- excellent with his hands and counters and plays with power," an NFC scout told Fowler while describing Bosa. "Really no 'wow' physical trait but knows how to play the game. Can play the run and pass with no real weakness there."