Chargers get tougher in the trenches, add linebacker in 3-round mock draft
By Travis Wakeman
Second round, No. 60 overall: Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
With Brandon Mebane, Damion Square and Darius Philon all set to hit the open market this offseason, the Chargers could be in the market for help in the middle of the defensive line.
If the Chargers ended up losing all three of those players, Corey Liuget and Justin Jones would make up the depth at defensive tackle. Notre Dame’s Jerry Tillery could be a good addition in the case.
Tillery played in 42 games at Notre Dame, registering 12.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. His best season came as a senior in 2018 where he posted seven of those sacks while helping the Irish reach the College Football Playoff.
Tillery can be a force in the middle but the most intriguing part of his game is the fact that he has some pass-rushing ability as a player on the interior. That could be a game changer for the Chargers’ defense as opponents already have to deal with the dynamic duo of Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
The Chargers could also address the defensive tackle spot in the first round as players such as Jeffery Simmons, Dre’Mont Jones, Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence could all be available at the No. 28 pick. Quinnen Williams of Alabama and Houston’s Ed Oliver likely won’t get down that far.