What was little more than a formality became official Saturday evening, Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa being named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year at a banquet in Houston. A standout start to his career all but assured this.

But Bosa is not ruminating on his 12-game debut.

He is already looking ahead.


The former No. 3 overall pick was present at the NFL Honors awards show to accept the accolade. It followed a 10 1/2-sack campaign in which he was just as dominant in the run game as he was a pass rusher. His performance in 2016, he says, is just the beginning.

Bosa, 21, expects to elevate his game as a sophomore.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa arrives on the red carpet prior to the 6th Annual NFL Honors at Wortham Theater. (Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports)

All his production, which included tying for the NFL lead with 17 tackles for loss, came despite missing training camp and the preseason to a contract dispute and the first four games to a hamstring injury that sidelined him shortly after he signed on Aug. 29.


“I’m proud of the way I performed this season,” Bosa said recently, “but it’s really exciting to look back and watch because it could have been so much better. It’s scary because nobody has any idea other than me and maybe (strength and conditioning coach) Todd (Rice) in the weight room, just where it’s going to go from here, how much better it’s going to be.

“It’s really exciting for the future and the team. I get better every year, and I found my routine on how to do things.”

Last month, the Pro Football Writers of America named Bosa its top defensive rookie.

He became Saturday the first Chargers rookie to receive the AP award since Shawne Merriman after the 2005 season. Leslie O’Neal in 1986 is the only other recipient in Chargers history.


Bosa was a runaway for the award, receiving 37 AP votes. Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey garnered 10. Falcons inside linebacker Deion Jones had three.

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michael.gehlken@sduniontribune.com


Twitter: @SDUTgehlken