The Chargers’ run defense was a weakness all season long. But, unfortunately, it became the primary reason they aren’t going to be in the playoffs after allowing the Raiders to finish with 174 yards rushing and failing to make a play in the most crucial moment of the season.
While Brandon Staley’s defense is predicated on limiting the deep passing game and inviting opposing teams to run the ball due to the lighter boxes, the personnel that was in place still didn’t meet his scheme. Therefore, addressing that this offseason is going to be atop the list.
Los Angeles will have different outlets to resort to, with that 2022 NFL draft being one. This year’s class has many prospects that should bring intrigue, especially on the two teams that will be playing for the College Football Playoff National Championship, Georgia and Alabama.
For the Bulldogs, it starts with Jordan Davis (#99).
Hulking at 6-foot-6 and 340 pounds, Davis is not your typical nose tackle. A nuisance for opposing blockers, he is mightily powerful, has good initial quickness, short-area quickness, can occupy double teams and occasionally triple teams and pass rush.
His stat sheet won’t raise eyebrows, but his play helps limit explosive plays, both through the air and on the ground. Should the Chargers look to address the interior with the No. 17 overall selection, Davis would be the much-needed clog in the middle of the defensive line.
While Davis draws most of the buzz, the man who lines up next to him is also quite impactful. At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Devonte Wyatt (#95) plays with the first-step quickness, leverage, lateral agility, and play strength at the point of attack to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.
In addition, he has the versatility to line up anywhere from the zero-to-five technique. According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, Wyatt’s most impressive testing number is the 4.87 40 he clocked this last offseason. He also vertical jumped 31 inches and broad jumped 9-3.
For the Crimson Tide, eyes will be on Phidarian Mathis (#48), who’s been a disruptive presence from his position all season long.
Possessing a quick first step to get off the line of scrimmage, Mathis has sweet feet to force offensive linemen to lunge and a powerful upper body to shock with heavy hands. Against the run, Mathis is strong at the point of attack, rarely gets pushed off his spot, and does a great job of chasing plays down.
Both Wyatt and Mathis currently project as Day 2 selections.