Chargers Roundtable: How should the team use their first round pick?

Isaac:

In 2017 the Chargers’ most glaring weakness was run defense. Another spot of vulnerability that stood out was the lack of athleticism at linebacker. This not only contributes to the lack of run defense but also hurt them in pass coverage over the middle of the field. Drafting Alabama inside linebacker, Rashaan Evans, would serve to remedy two weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball.

Evans possesses top-end speed for the linebacker position, something the team desperately needs to replace Kyle Emmanuel in the starting lineup. He is also a great tackler with the ability to diagnose plays quickly. These skills all come together to create a linebacker who is effective at stopping the run, something the team also desperately needs.

Evans is also known for being a fantastic blitzer, especially on delayed rushes. The Chargers already possess the league’s top pass-rushing duo in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, so adding a player such as Evans who can add another dimension to the pass rush would be an example of the team building strength on top of strength, which is something that the best teams in the NFL find success in doing.

This selection would go a long way in making the Chargers defense one of the best in the entire league.