2018 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock
By Joe Romano
Round 3 – Pick 84
Tim Settle, DT, Virginia Tech
The edge spots for the Chargers are about as secure as a position can get. Melvin Ingram mans one side at a Pro Bowl level. Meanwhile Joey Bosa is on the other wreaking havoc in only his second season. That 1-2 punch on the outside has a chance of being the league’s best next season.
Even with those two players the Chargers were absolutely gashed by the run this season. The team gave up the second most rushing yards and most yard per carry in 2017. Finding someone to man the interior is a priority. Corey Liuget is owed $8 million, so he will be back next season. Brandon Mebane was the team’s other starting defensive tackle, but could be a cap casualty.
In the third round of this mock draft the Chargers grab Tim Settle of Virginia Tech to try and solve some of the run defense issues. At 335 pounds, the defensive tackle would plug in next to Liuget. Those 335 pounds is not as well built as some around the NFL may like but he can move really well for a man that size.
Settle is the ideal prospect for a team looking for a run-stuffer. He proved at Virginia Tech when he is conditioned that he is a wrecking force up the middle. It is rare to see a man who is 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds play low and athletic but that is how he plays. A powerful lower body, and strong push would do wonders not only for the run defense but for the elite pass-rushers in L.A.
This could be a position that Los Angeles addresses earlier in the draft. However, this is one of the deeper defensive tackle classes in recent memory. There are big bodies to be found in rounds three and four that can impact a defense. Settle is one of my personal favorites and may actually rise up beyond this point after the pro-days and combine are completed.