A rumor has been circulating that the Cowboys are not high on defensive end prospect Joey Bosa and will probably pass on him in the upcoming draft. Given their need at defensive end and Bosa being the consensus top player in the class, the topic merits some discussion.
The rumor started with NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, who was quoted with the following:
I don’t believe the Dallas Cowboys will draft Joey Bosa. I’ve heard that they’re not in love with Joey Bosa. I don’t think Joey Bosa is going to be a Cowboy.
Well, that’s pretty straightforward.
Zierlein didn’t identify his source but doubts about Bosa are not a foreign concept. He had a down year in 2015 compared to the previous season but many forgive that as a player trying to avoid injury and preserve his draft stock. What’s more, concerns about Bosa’s personal life and partying are making teams leery.
If Dallas is truly out on Bosa then it takes one of their most logical draft options off the board. The most common projections right now have Laremy Tunsil, Jalen Ramsey, and one of the two quarterbacks going in the top three. Bosa is one of a trio players, Ezekiel Elliott and Myles Jack being the other, who have the most expectation to be taken by the Cowboys.
A logical question is if Dallas would consider DeForest Buckner if they’re passing on Bosa. Though he’s more ideal for a 3-4 scheme, Buckner is viewed by many as having more overall upside than Bosa. Dallas could try him as their strongside defensive end or perhaps play him inside and move Tyrone Crawford to the edge.
It’s worth noting that Dallas went to Ohio State’s facility over the weekend to hold private workouts with several of their players and Bosa was part of it. Given his status they really couldn’t avoid including him even if they’re not interested.
Personally, this doesn’t shake much up for me. Right now I’m predicting that Dallas will select Myles Jack if they can’t get Ramsey. I’m confident that they will add at least one more free agent defensive end that will free them up to take the player they like best and not be too worried about position needs.
Obviously, any rumor can be a false one. This one is so specific to the team and player, though, that I’m sure Zierlein heard it from a legitimate source. How high up the Cowboys’ chain that source is, though, is what we don’t know and will have a huge bearing on if this rumor prove true.
Anyone who wonders why Jason Garrett might not be high on Bosa, check this video out.
I just listen to him talk, especially after what he felt was not a great combine performance for him, and the guy just strikes me as arrogant. Not the "RKG" (Right Kind of Guy) that Garrett would probably like to spend his #4 overall draft pick on.
Just the vibe I get.
Maybe it's not arrogance, but confidence. Dallas needs a decent DE and Benson Mayowa isn't it. Who is Benson Mayowa anyway?
I agree that Dallas needs more at the position. A quality DE should be there in the 2nd round that may give more value at #34 than Bosa or Buckner do at #4. That's my hope, anyway.