Chargers Position Group Preview: Defensive Line

The Chargers defensive line looks good on paper. Unfortunately, this unit has struggled to stay healthy depriving us fans from seeing how outstanding they can be. Whether its injuries to their stars on the edges or inefficiencies up the middle, the Bolts defensive line has underperformed during the Staley era. Still, it’s difficult to not fear a defensive front that contains the likes of both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. 

Disclaimer: Although the Chargers play a 3-4 Defense technically making players like Bosa and Mack LBs, I’ll include them and their backups in this article as “Edge Defenders.” 

 

Image: NBC Sports

Starting Edge Defenders: Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack

Tom Telesco made a splash during last year’s offseason when he acquired Khalil Mack for almost nothing. With Joey Bosa being one of the best edge rushers in football, this pairing was supposed to be one of the NFL’s best. Instead we were unable to consistently witness what was supposed to be the awesomeness of Bosa-Mack due to the injury bug taking its toll. This year could be a different story. Both players seem to be feeling healthy and hungry to do some damage.

 

Image: Los Angeles Times

Starting Defensive Linemen: Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day

Last year Sebastian Joseph-Day and JC Jackson headlined the Charger’s free agent class. We know how things went with Jackson but SJD managed to produce a better than average season where he held down the defensive line. It’s clear what he brings to the field but what often goes overlooked is his outgoing personality. Because of it, SJD has become a fan favorite in the lockerroom leader whom many look up to. More quiet is Austin Johsnon who was having a good season before going down with an injury. After much time off to get healthy, expect Johnson to take off where he left and be an underrated player to a solid defensive front. 

 

Image: Windy City Gridiron

Backup Edge Defenders: Chris Rumph II and Tuli Tuipulotu

I was one of those few who favored the Chris Rumph selection a few years back. I saw someone who was raw with talent. Someone who not only needed to add muscle but needed the proper mentor whom I thought would be Joey Bosa. Unfortunately he hasn’t shown much progress in his development leading the Bolts to draft Tuli Tuipulotu this past April. Tuipulotu is an interesting player given he provides inside-outside versatility. He’s strong and explosive but only possesses average bend and needs to be more active in his rush. Overall, he’s too small to play inside but is also too slow to stick to the outside. Still, he should be a player to watch given whom he has mentoring him. 

 

Image: Pride of Detroit

Backup Defensive Line: Morgan Fox, Nick Williams, Scott Matlock, Jerrod Clark, and Otito Ogbonnia

Morgan Fox was another underrated signing last offseason. He didn’t have the excellent year he had the last time he was with Brandon Staley, but he provided good depth thanks to his familiarity with the system. Nick Williams, however, has the potential to be one of the most underrated signings of this offseason. Williams is a large individual who, although isn’t known to get in the face of quarterbacks, is solid in the run game. He isn’t the player to fill up the stat sheet, but plays his position well enough to be an unsung hero. With Ogbonnia, there’s potential he doesn’t even make the roster. He was a late round selection back in 2022 who hasn’t had much opportunity to shine. However, in the few snaps he received last year, he played well. It’s because of this I believe he’ll win a roster spot over one of the up and coming UDFAs. One of the up and coming UDFAs I believe will make the roster is Jerrod Clark. He’s a massive human being who naturally clogs gaps. His size is apparent but teams must not underestimate his quickness. He has the tendency to raise his pads too quickly firing off the ball but, when combining his strength and explosiveness he overwhelms offensive linemen. Lastly is Scott Matlock. The best way to think of him is as a Morgan Fox-lite. Although he’ll earn his money in the pass game it isn’t his forte. More than anything, Matlock is an athlete. He has good bend for an interior linemen and understands how to play football correctly. He knows what he needs to do, he just needs to right coaching to set him up for success.

 

 

 

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