The Front Row

John Simon's biggest problem was that he was a 'tweener' - not big enough to really dominate as a defensive tackle, and not fast enough to play the edge. He was successful because he never got outworked and he gave 100% every play. The reason Simon was injured often was because he was absolutely maxing out his physical ability in the weight room and on the field. Bosa has physical gifts to dominate that Simon didn't - he's 6'6" and can carry a lot more weight - or less if he's more of an edge player. I think a guy like JJ Watt is what John Simon would have been if he had more of the natural physical gifts to go with his work ethic. And I think that Bosa has those natural gifts.

How bout the next JJ Watt.

What's his chances of starting or getting major pt as a freshman ?

I hope he's the first Joey Bosa.

He looks like Simon! I like the comparison but also see the comments and yeah the upside is there, if he has the intangibles of Simon he'll exceed which is scary good!

This

The big difference is that last year we had Simon, Hankins, Goebel, Bennett, and Nathan Williams all returning. There was nowhere for AW or Spence to step in. This year, there are a lot more openings. Bosa is competing against Schutt, AW, and Spence - guys who weren't starters last year. There will be a real open competition - something there wasn't last year simply because most of the starters were returning. Bosa could get a lot more PT than Washington or Spence got, not because he's better than they were, but because there's greater opportunity.

Washington is probably the SSDE starter, but I could see Bosa playing a lot just because OSU will use 7-8 DL in a game. I could see a left to right line up of Spence, Bennett, Washington and Bosa on pass rush situations.

Gerry Hamilton26674 posts
Dorian Johnson has to gain strength/mass. Joey Bosa's strength differential shows up in team and one on ones against Johnson.

Agree big time +1. At 265 and playing inside, you needed BEAST strength so I don't know if you would ever be able to compare him with anyone in that regard. Maybe Kudla in the weight room and speed off the edge. He was quick enough off the edge, probably relentlessness and physical strength for that size were best assets. He will have a place in the pros. At 6'6", Bosa has the size & talent scouts will drool over.

John Simon didnt really have a problem in his game... He missed one game in four years and was a leader on and off the field. He was a great college player and we were extremely lucky to have him.

What he will or wont do in the pros is a different matter, and not really the topic of this thread. In college he was the best in our conference and one of the best in the country... Sounds pretty good to me