The Chargers have a few positions that must be addressed in the upcoming draft, and edge defender sits at the top.
Luckily, this year’s crop has starting-caliber talent from the first day of the draft until Day 3.
With that being said, here’s an edge defender in each round that could fit in Los Angeles:
Round 1: Will McDonald, Iowa State
With an excellent first step with the hips to bend the edge and the flexibility to drop his shoulder to get under blockers, violent hands, a wicked spin move, and the arm length (35″) to long-arm blockers, McDonald is a mainstay in opposing backfields.
In 2020, McDonald finished the season tied for first in the nation in sacks with 10.5. He was even more dominant in 2021, finishing seventh with 11.5 sacks. His sack total dipped in his final season for the Cyclones, but primarily because he was used in various roles.
Round 2: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State
At 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, Anudiki-Uzomah is a high-motored player with an excellent first step with the hips to bend the edge and flexibility to drop his shoulder to get under blockers, an array of pass rush moves and the functional strength to set the edge.
Arguably one of the most productive pass rushers in the nation, Adudike-Uzomah finished among Pro Football Focus’ top ten in overall grade, pass-rush grade, and defensive stops in 2022. He also had a 16.2% pressure rate (16th).
Round 3: Byron Young, Tennessee
Young, a combine winner, posted an eye-popping 4.43 in the 40-yard dash. Additionally, he had a 38-inch vertical and led all edge defenders in the broad jump (11’0″).
That athleticism shows up on tape, as Young has a quick first-step explosion and speed when he pursues ball carriers or passers outside of the pocket. These traits are what Brandon Staley covets at the position.
Familiarity could play a role, as defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley recruited Young and was his DC at Tennessee.
Round 4: Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
Hampton is slightly undersized at 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds. Still, he has the desired length with 33 5/8-inch arms. Hampton oozes elite athleticism. He’s a speed rusher who can get to the quarterback in a handful of ways. Hampton is quick off the ball with a nice pass-rush toolbox, active hands and the bend to get past blockers, and the burst to close on players. By adding some size at the next level, Hampton will be able to successfully convert speed to power.
Round 5: Yaya Diaby, Louisville
Diaby flew under the radar until the combine. At 6-foot-3 and 263 pounds, he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash with a 1.56 10-yard split. He also posted a 37-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump.
Diaby had a solid senior season for the Cardinals, where he finished second in the ACC conference with nine sacks and seventh in tackles for losses (14). He also had two pass deflections and recovered two fumbles.
Overall, Diaby has the explosion off the line of scrimmage and the strength at the point of attack in the run game to make an impact at the next level.
Round 6: BJ Thompson, Stephen F. Austin
Round 7: Titus Leo, Wagner
Throughout his five-year career, Leo, a two-time NEC Defensive Player of the Year, compiled 234 total tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and six forced fumbles. Additionally, he has three blocked kicks over the past two seasons.
