Los Angeles Chargers: Three prospects to stay away from in the NFL Draft

Rashaan Evans, Linebacker, Alabama

I already know that the guys over at our FanSided sister site — Bolt Beat — may not agree with me on this one. Site expert, Matt Pagels, recently put out an article praising Evans; calling for the Chargers to select him with the 17th overall pick.

Among a ton of great insight and analysis, Pagels said the following about Evans:

"“The Chargers desperately need a playmaker at the linebacker position, and (Rashaan) Evans is just that.”"

I agree the Chargers do need a playmaker at the linebacker position. A big reason why the run defense was so bad last year was due to problems with the linebacker core. It did not help that Denzel Perryman missed nine games; when he did play, the Chargers were 5-2 (should have been 6-1 if it wasn’t for that choke against Jacksonville).

However, the biggest flaw for Evans in Los Angeles is the fit in the defensive scheme. Because of that, the Chargers should not use that 17th pick on Evans. If the team acquired another first-round pick — which I outlined here — then I am all for it. However, without it, that first-round pick would be much better suited for a defensive tackle or maybe even Lamar Jackson.

There is a ton of good linebackers in this draft class that the Chargers could use a second-round pick and solve their interior problem. As great as Evans is, he fits much better in a 3-4 defense. Lance Zierlein points out that he could play weakside linebacker in a 4-3. I would argue, though, that Perryman excels best at the WILL; leaving an opening at the MIKE.

It would take work for Evans or Perryman to be an efficient MIKE. As talented as Evans is, I would only use the 17th overall pick on him if he was a perfect fit. He is not. Sorry, Matt.