The Arizona Cardinals have the first pick in the NFL draft. One of the top prospects is Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa. The Cardinals will run a 3-4 defense in 2019, so some question whether or not Bosa would be a good fit for Arizona because of the transition to outside linebacker he would have to make.
At 260-265 pounds, he is better suited to playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 than defensive end, as the interior linemen in 3-4 schemes are usually 280 pounds or more.
However, Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is not concerned about the transition. He says the move from defensive end to outside linebacker is “a learned ability.”
Joseph has seen the transition from a rookie before. Bradley Chubb, the Denver Broncos’ first-round pick a year ago, made a similar transition.
“Chubb was a career 4-3 end,” Joseph said, according to AZCardinals.com’s Kyle Odegard. “He never played in a two point, never dropped. He played SAM backer for us at 6-4 and a half, 270. He had 12 and a half sacks and he missed five. You have to figure out what guys do best.”
If Bosa ends up being the pick for the Cardinals, he will not likely have to play every down in the beginning. With the signing of Brooks Reed, Bosa can come in on sub packages and worry about rushing the passer while he learns the other responsibilities an outside backer has in coverage.
Bosa might not be the pick. The Cardinals might like another player better, but it doesn’t appear scheme will be the issue with Bosa. Great players can be great in multiple schemes.
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