2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Chargers could take in Round 1

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

CLEMSON, SC – NOVEMBER 17: Dexter Lawrence #90 of the Clemson Tigers warms up prior to their game against the Duke Blue Devils at Clemson Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

4. Dexter Lawrence

Joey Brosa brings the heat off the edge for the Chargers, but this team was a little soft against the run in 2018. They need a big, physical defensive tackle who can occupy a lot of space against opponents who want to bludgeon Los Angeles via their ground game.

Lawrence is a massive human being with really good feet for a guy who tips the scales at 342 pounds. He’s probably best suited to play nose tackle at the next level, and the Chargers have the personnel to play that package on a lot of downs.

The intriguing thing about Lawrence is that he’s clearly not a finished product. He was highly productive during his collegiate career at Clemson despite being limited from a technical perspective. He’s a player that can take a real jump once he’s exposed to NFL coaching.

That doesn’t mean Lawrence can’t play right away. His unique size and athleticism allow him to be a space eater without a full array of pass rush moves. The former Clemson star probably won’t be a huge difference maker during his rookie season, but he could grow into one pretty quickly at the NFL level.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers