One of the things that Chargers head coach Brandon Staley puts a big emphasis on is his players being able to line up at multiple spots.
Los Angeles has the likes of star edge defender Joey Bosa and the massive Linval Joseph, along with Jerry Tillery and Justin Jones. However, they lack versatile defensive linemen.
Luckily, this year’s draft will present a few players that are capable of making an impact from different dimensions.
Let’s take a look at two that have really stood out to me so far:
Payton Turner, Houston
After spending the majority his career for the Cougars as an interior defender, Turner slimmed down to 270 pounds prior to the 2020 season, where he enjoyed arguably his most productive yet, totaling 25 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in just five games.
Showing on tape he can play a variety of roles on the defensive line, Turner is a long-bodied, high motored athlete who moves well for his size, displaying first-step quickness, ankle flexion and closing burst. Turner also possesses plus power and strength in his upper and lower body.
At Houston, Turner was primarily a five-technique in their 3-4 hybrid front. He would also stand up as an outside rusher or slide in as a 4i-technique position. At the next level, Turner can play standing up or in a three-point stance on the outside, and he can also kick inside to the 4i position.
From a stylistic standpoint, Turner is very reminiscent of Bears’ Roy Robertson-Harris, who was coached by Rodgers since the beginning of his professional career.
Some quickness from 6-6, 270 pound EDGE Payton Turner! As a stand-up wide rusher! pic.twitter.com/hmCiyXRbjU
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 13, 2021
Cameron Sample, Tulane
In 2020, Sample amassed career-highs in every notable statistical category at the position, with 52 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks en route to being named first-team All-AAC.
Per Pro Football Focus, Sample posted a 90.4 pass-rush grade (3rd), 48 quarterback pressures (4th), 22.6% win percentage (1st), 16% pressure percentage (4th) and 8.8 pass-rush productivity (7th) this past season.
The 6-foot-2 and 274 pounder moves like he’s 35 pounds lighter, winning with upfield explosion, great agility and speed in space to make plays away from the line of scrimmage. On top of that, Sample shows quick hands and upper body strength at the point of attack.
Sample played as both an outside linebacker in Tulane’s 3-4 defense and in the 4i-tech position in a 3-3-5 scheme. He two-gapped and stunted to rush the quarterback. At the next level, he has the juice to be a mismatch, with his best play coming from the 4i spot.