Los Angeles Chargers 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Maurice Hurst

The Los Angeles Chargers already have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. They cement their dominance by adding defensive tackle Maurice Hurst in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are two pass rushing menaces that would be the best at their position on any NFL team. They are on opposing sides of the field for the Los Angeles Chargers nearly every defensive snap. Both of which were first round picks, the Chargers should re-visit that strategy in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Bosa, the second year left end out of Ohio State, and Ingram, the sixth year linebacker turned right end, gave the Chargers the most dynamic pass-rush in the league last season. Both men were named Pro Bowlers for their efforts. If the Chargers would have made the postseason, they would have matched up perfectly against the Patriots, Steelers and Jaguars.

This pass rush led to an overall solid defensive effort from the Chargers last season. Surprisingly, the Chargers allowed the third least amount of points per game last season. They were that good, Bosa and Ingram led the way.

The Los Angeles Chargers can add to that dynamic pass rush by drafting Michigan’s Maurice Hurst in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Maurice Hurst big board rankings:

Hurst is widely respected throughout the NFL community. While draft opinions and big boards often differ, Hurst is a common name atop the best defensive tackles available in the draft.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com has Hurst as his 21st best prospect heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, which should set the Chargers up nicely at 17th. Jeremiah goes as far to say “[Hurst] could emerge as one of the best interior pass rushers in the league.”

Walter Football ranks Hurst as the fourth best defensive tackle in the draft, bringing into focus his superb quickness and excellent footwork. They predict Hurst to go anywhere from the first to third round (although a first-round selection is most likely).

Finally, even ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper has Hurst as one of the best prospects in the league. Kiper has Hurst going 22nd overall to the Buffalo Bills, five spots behind the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Maurice Hurst’s college performance:

Overall, Maurice Hurst had a very strong showing at Michigan under head coach John Harbaugh, proving that his intangibles can translate directly into production on the football field.

Hurst played four seasons with Michigan, becoming a starter as a sophomore and holding that spot until his senior year. Last year, as a senior, Hurst recorded 59 total tackles, 13 of which were for a loss and 5.5 of which were sacks. Hurst also forced a fumble.

The overall consensus:

Maurice Hurst is great for the Los Angeles Chargers for many reasons. First, he helps add to an already fantastic pass-rush that, with him, could trouble the best passing teams in the league. Alongside Corey Luiget, Hurst slides into the Chargers 4-3 scheme, replacing Brandon Mebane and giving the team four Pro Bowl caliber defensive lineman. That is scary.

However, Hurst adds more value in his game as well. Although with his speed and footwork the pass-rush is his strength, he can add a much-needed dimension to the run defense as well. The Chargers one Achilles’ Heel on defense last season was stopping the run.

By adding a guy like Hurst, who can get around guards, in the middle, the Chargers can become more effective in stopping the run. Sure, at six-foot-two and 280 pounds, Hurst’s size could give him some problems against bigger NFL guards. However, a defensive line as talented as the Chargers will cause less focus on Hurst, thus improving his game.

Although the middle linebacker play may ultimately be more important to stop the run, Hurst definitely makes the Chargers better than they are without him.

Next: Chargers pick up a Heisman in round two

Overall, Maurice Hurst would be a wonderful addition to the Chargers’ defensive and would be one LA’s best draft choices.