ESPN ranks Bosa brothers as two of top ten NFL edge rushers for 2020

As a part of the preview to the 2020-2021 NFL season, ESPN has been ranking the top ten players at each position. As you would expect, former Ohio State players are well-represented — especially when it comes to edge-rushing defensive ends (subscription required) in the league.

In fact, of the ten ranked by the worldwide leader in sports programming, two former Buckeyes are listed, and yes, they lived in the same household. Both Nick and Joey Bosa appear as two of the best ten quarterback chasers in the NFL according to votes tabulated from a panel by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

So why does ESPN believe the Bosa brothers are two of the best in the game, and where does he rank each?

Next … Nick and Joey Bosa ranked

No. 3 – Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

What ESPN says

Bosa surpassed expectations in the voting, and made a serious push for the No. 1 overall spot.

The league is envious of the 49ers for stealing Bosa No. 2 overall in 2019 thanks in part to Jimmy Garoppolo missing 13 games the year before.

“Jimmy G’s busted knee was a blessing,” one NFL general manager said. “Motor, speed, smart, hard to block.”

One exec whose team played the 49ers last year was impressed — and frustrated — watching Bosa in person, pointing out his nine sacks don’t do him justice.

“We literally had no answer for him,” the exec said. “Completely dominated us.”

To be sure, Bosa is fortunate to play on a dynamic defensive line across the board. And he’s more of a compact rusher than one who dominates with length. But evaluators say his talent stands alone.

“It’s very difficult to be impactful as rookie, even for great players,” a longtime defensive line coach said. “He did that as well as anybody I can think of. Great quickness and speed.”

Next … the older Bosa

No. 6 – Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers

What ESPN says

Bosa didn’t get enough top-five votes to crack the threshold, but as far as pure pass rushing, there aren’t many better.

He’s channeling Tim Duncan when he rushes, combining textbook discipline with flair.

“Uses length well, long arm stab, fundamentals, dynamic moves — he’s got it all,” one NFL coordinator said. “He’s got unique tape, because he’s wide, and because of the way he runs and moves, it’s hard to tell what he’ll do.”

That Bosa has one pass deflection in four seasons is curious. Mack, Jones and Miller all have more than 10 over that span. But it’s hard to complain with 40 sacks in 51 career games to launch a decorated career.

Most agree Joey Bosa is a more refined pass-rusher than Nick right now, but they prefer Nick’s motor and explosion for the long term.

So, who are the other top ten edge rushers according to votes tabulated by ESPN? Who is the best?