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Los Angeles Chargers Draft: Best Defensive Line Targets For All 7 Rounds

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated 3/28/24

Defensive lineman is the perfect position for the Los Angeles Chargers to need with Jim Harbaugh as head coach. 1.) They need to rebuild that position group from the studs. 2.) Harbaugh loves building his teams from the trenches.

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They already added Poona Ford in free agency but will need to do a lot more. Whether it’s high-end talent or depth pieces. Morgan Fox is the only returning starter from 2023. And the returning backups, Otito Ogbonnia and Scott Matlock have had limited playing time this season

Best Defensive Line Targets for the Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1: Trade Back
Round 2: Overall Pick 37
Round 3: Overall Pick 69
Round 4: Overall Pick 105
Round 5: Overall Pick 140
Round 6: Overall Pick 181
Round 7: Overall Pick 225

Round 1: Trade Back

Byron Murphy, Texas: The Chargers could trade back and still be sure they can get the hyper-athletic, 6’1″ 308-pounder. Taking him at 5 would be a massive reach.

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In his debut season as a Longhorns starter, Murphy led the team with 45 pressures and topped all FBS interior defensive linemen with a 19.6 percent pass-rush win rate. He bursts off the line to create pressure and uses his hands effectively to shed blocks and hold his ground. Murphy’s effort and technique compensate for his lack of size

Round 2: Overall Pick 37

T’vondre Sweat, Texas: Sweat is the other Texas D-lineman in the draft. If Harbaugh wants a true big man in the middle, he’s your guy. 6’4″, 362 lbs. Opposing offenses will need to allocate resources to contain him, making it challenging to execute inside running plays without accounting for his presence.

Round 3: Overall Pick 69

Kris Jenkins, Michigan: At 6’2″ and 299 lbs, Jenkins could be the second most athletic DT in the draft behind Murphy. A hard worker and captain of the Michigan Wolverines, (so you know he is a Harbaugh favorite) Jenkins has a relentless motor, but won’t be a one-man wrecking crew.

Round 4: Overall Pick 105

Braden Fiske, Florida State: Fiske had an impressive season after transferring from Western Michigan to Florida State. In 13 games he racked up 43 tackles, nine for loss, and six sacks.

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Fiske relies on his explosive get-off, sheer strength, and determined grit to drive and disrupt blocking schemes. His relentless effort remains consistent whether he’s taking on double teams or holding his ground at the line of scrimmage.

Round 5: Overall Pick 140

Maason Smith, LSU: His size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. At 6’6″, 306 lbs, and 35-inch arms, he runs a 5.0 40-yard dash and has a 31″ vertical. But he will need plenty of refinement to earn starting reps in Week 1 of 2024.

Round 6: Overall Pick 181

Myles Murphy, North Carolina: At 6’4″ 309 Murphy is an immovable object to gum up the works on early down. He doesn’t have the athleticism to be a factor on all three downs but has close-area explosiveness that will disrupt any interior offensive lineman.

Round 7: Overall Pick 225

Evan Anderson, Florida Atlantic: At 6′ 320 lbs, Anderson is a stout defender who uses his mass as his best weapon. He led the Owls in sacks, had the second-most pressures, and was third in run stuffs.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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