The Los Angeles Chargers boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL; let’s rank them! Here’s the No. 17 ranked player…
The Los Angeles Chargers were named the NFL’s most complete team by NFL.com columnist Adam Schein, who believes the team is both loaded with starting talent and very capable depth. It’s hard to blame him; after all, the team had seven of its players selected to the Pro-Bowl last year, and three made First-Team All-Pro. It’s a roster full of talent, but who is the best?
Here is the list so far:
- 20. DE Isaac Rochell
- 19. CB Michael Davis
- 18. LB Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown
This week features another linebacker from the 2018 draft class: OLB Uchenna Nwosu.
2018 Stats:
- 27 total tackles
- 3.5 sacks
- One pass defended
- One run stuff
PFF Grade: 70.9 (Above Average), 35th-ranked
2018 Best Play: Fourth-quarter strip-sack of Lamar Jackson to win the Wild Card game.
UCHENNA NWOSU!! The rookie ends the game and secures the playoff victory for the Chargers!
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/4p0klJmpET
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) January 6, 2019
Why he makes the list:
Nwosu’s ranking here is more about projection, rather than past production. The former Trojan appeared in just 25.58 of the team’s defensive snaps in 2018, a number lower than players like Justin Jones and Trevor Williams. Despite averaging about 16.5 defensive snaps per game, head coach Anthony Lynn is prepared to make the second-year player his starter at OTTO:
Chargers currently at 90 players. Here’s a closer look: pic.twitter.com/pBPLhUlBte
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) May 17, 2019
Nwosu was a spark at times for the Chargers, showing off impressive hustle and effort in limited action. Adding another high-motor athlete to the front seven has been the team’s theme of the offseason, and putting a sophomore player ready to break out with the starting unit will do wonders for the defense.
Why he isn’t higher:
When a player appears in less snaps than Brandon Mebane, it’s difficult to project just how well he can handle a starting role. Though Nwosu will likely take a step forward, the remaining players on this list (aside from one) have more starting experience or game experience. When the rankings are re-released in the regular season, however, expect Nwosu to move up a few spots with increased playing time.