5 breakout stars to watch for Los Angeles Chargers in 2020

4. DT Justin Jones

The defensive front of the Chargers features a pair of first-round standouts when it comes to getting after opposing quarterbacks. Ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram — both one-time first-round draft choices — have established themselves as one of the best pass-rushing tandems in the league. The former was the third overall pick in 2016 and when available can be a game-changer. A total of 51 regular-season contests has seen a combined 40 sacks. Meanwhile, Ingram really began to come into his own in 2015 and has been named to three consecutive Pro Bowls.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with defensive tackle Linval Joseph, and the Chargers wasted little time scooping him up. He figures to aid a run defense that dipped to 18th in the NFL this past season after finishing ninth in the league the previous year.

The Chargers’ defense will also need more from defensive tackle Justin Jones, who played in 15 contests as a rookie in 2018 but was never in the opening lineup until the postseason when he started against the Ravens and Patriots. He was a 12-game starter this past year and finished with 30 tackles. While not a pass-rushing threat, the 6-foot-3, 309-pound pro will help Joseph plug the middle.