2020 NFL Draft: 4 defensive tackles Chargers should consider

Chargers Wire lists four potential replacement for Brandon Mebane in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Chargers released Brandon Mebane on Friday, which means that there will be another hole to fill this offseason. While they could go with finding one in free agency, they could elect to go with addressing the position in the draft.

With that being said, we have listed four defensive tackles that Los Angeles could be giving a hard look, primarily in the mid to late rounds in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jordan Elliott, Missouri

Elliott played two seasons at Missouri after transferring from Texas following the 2016 season. In his final season with the Tigers, Elliott posted 31 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3 and 303 pounder primarily lined up as a three-technique in Missouri’s defense, but he has the versatility to line up across from the center.  Elliott has the play strength, hand usage and quickness to make his presence known. He needs to develop a better game-plan as a pass-rusher, but how impressive he is against the run should garner the Chargers attention.

Leki Fotu, Utah

Used primarily at the one-technique, Fotu played in 45 career games for the Utes. For his efforts, he earned first team All-Pac-12 honors in 2018 and 2019. He finished his collegiate career with 82 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed. Fotu, the 6-foot-5 and 330 pounder has wide hips, meaty thighs and proportionate body thickness. For someone of his size, he has rare movement skills is rangy. He is at his best taking up space by taking on double teams and holding the line of scrimmage. Fotu wins with sheer upper body strength strength and hand usage to make his presence in his backfield. Even though his pass-rushing skills are a work in progress, he is capable of being a solid run defender in Year 1.

Davon Hamilton, Ohio State

After three years as a rotational piece, Hamilton emerged as a starter for the Buckeyes as a senior in 2019, managing 28 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. His six sacks were second only to top draft selection, defensive end Chase Young. The 6-foot-4 and 310 pound Hamilton excels at his job and that’s to take on double teams to allow other members from the front seven to roam freely. Along with the strength and balance against double teams, he has the first-step explosion and hands to disrupt the backfield.

Bravvion Roy, Baylor

Roy played in 48 games, starting 29 for the Bears. In four seasons, he amassed 133 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. At 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds, Roy is a massive human with heavy hands, upper body strength and eyebrow-raising quickness to wear down blockers. He was moved all up and down the line for the Bears, but he would be the ideal candidate to serve as a nose tackle for the Chargers to help aide with clogging up the middle with his point-of-attack power.