Los Angeles Chargers: 7-Round 2019 mock draft after Divisional Round loss
The Los Angeles Chargers are loaded with playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Guys like Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Derwin James and Desmond King lead an impressive Chargers defense that is set up to be dominant for many years. That being said, they do lack functional depth at certain positions on defense, with defensive tackle looking suddenly looking like a possible issue.
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This offseason, defensive tackles Brandon Mebane, Damion Square and Darius Philon will all hit the open market as free agents. This could leave the position as a major need for this team going forward.
In the first round of this mock draft, the Chargers snag Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. This not only gives them some much-needed depth up front, it gives LA another young and talented defensive player to build their team around.
Simmons is a freak athlete for a 6-3, 301-pound man. He shows elite explosion off of the snap and impressive quickness once the play has started. Simmons has a combination of power and athleticism that scouts dream of at the position that allows him to create consistent chaos in the backfield. He is an upfield disruptor who will make plays against the run and in the pass rush.
The former Mississippi State Bulldog will disappear at times, which is obviously a concern. He also struggles when asked to play two-gap defense. However, when the coaching staff allows Simmons to pin his ears back and make plays in one-gap penetration, he is extremely difficult to stop. This would undoubtedly be a big-time addition for the Los Angeles Chargers defense.