One of the biggest priorities for the Chargers last off-season was fixing up the interior defensive line – this was due to how poorly the previous unit was at run defense. This mission was successful, in a sense; the Chargers were much improved with stuffing runs up the middle – especially earlier in the season before starters got injured (Austin Johnson most notably). Outside runs were still an issue, but the defensive line was indeed improved. The outlook for them this year remains positive, and there is also plenty of competition at the position.
Previewing the Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Line
The Starters: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox
Sebastian Joseph-Day was the primary star and anchor of this group last year; he was third on the team in tackles for a loss. He also missed very little time, only sitting on the sidelines for one game. Austin Johnson was brought in specifically for his ability in stopping the run, and he was effective at that – until he went down midway through the season with a knee injury. It is hopeful that he will be ready to return in Week 1, but it is not guaranteed.
Morgan Fox was the unexpected breakout of the bunch last year. He was expected to mostly be a rotational piece and seemingly was mostly signed because of working with Brandon Staley before. But after Johnson went down and Jerry Tillery proved ineffective, Fox stepped up nicely and was actually second on the team in sacks (6.5). He was rewarded with a new two-year deal from the Chargers this off-season.
The Rookies / Young Players: Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Jerrod Clark
Otito Ogbonnia was drafted in the fifth round by the Chargers last year and recorded 14 tackles but made little impact despite the available opportunities. Given that he’s only in his second year, he’s still got time to show what he is capable of, but he may have a bit of an uphill battle given the competition. Starting training camp on the PUP list doesn’t help matters.
Scott Matlock was added this year in the sixth round, and Jerrod Clark is an undrafted free agent that has gotten some buzz. It’s anybody’s guess how either of those two will pan out, but there is reason to believe Clark could make a play for a roster spot. If not, he should be a good practice squad candidate.
The Veteran: Nick Williams
So far the depth we have listed has been young and unproven players. This is likely why Nick Williams was brought in – to have someone on the team who has been in the league for a bit besides the starters (and also possibly because Austin Johnson isn’t a lock to be ready by Week 1). Granted, Williams hasn’t done much in the last year or two, so he’s hardly a lock to make the roster either. But it does give the Chargers some more flexibility when it comes to depth/rotational pieces.
The Rest: Christopher Hinton Jr, Terrance Lang, David Moa, Basil Chijoke Okoye
Barring an impressive breakout from one of these four, or someone else flaming out or getting injured, this group of players is likely just playing for a practice squad spot. Hinton and Moa are both perennial practice squad candidates, who got a little bit of time on the field last year due to injuries – but barring a repeat of that, it’s unlikely we’ll see much of them again in the regular season. Terrance Lang and Basil Chijoke Okoye are two more undrafted free agents but are less likely to make noise than Clark.
Main Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
