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How Chargers DL Cortez Broughton could be an immediate difference-maker

By Paris Palmer

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: Cortez Broughton #96 celebrates with Carter Jacobs #20 of the Cincinnati Bearcats after a tackle against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first half at Nippert Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 30: Cortez Broughton #96 celebrates with Carter Jacobs #20 of the Cincinnati Bearcats after a tackle against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first half at Nippert Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The need for interior pressure is at an all-time high for the Los Angeles Chargers; here’s why Cortez Broughton will emerge as a playmaker this upcoming season.

Antonio Garay; how many of you recognize that name? Anyone? He was the last dominant interior line pass-rushing playmaker the Chargers had, and his last season with the team was in 2012.

In the NFL today, defensive tackles are expected to be just as twitchy as the defensive ends, which refers to their first step and overall athleticism. In the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Chargers found themselves a player with those traits. Here are three reasons why Cortez Broughton will become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL:

Immediate Need

The seventh-round pick from Cincinnati finished his senior year with 7.5 sacks. Broughton has an incredibly fast first step and plays great with his hands, not to mention the low center of gravity he plays with. Crowned one of the top value picks at defensive tackle by Daniel Jeremiah, Broughton will be entering an interior defensive line rotation with an abundance of run-stuffers. Pass rush from the interior has been missing from the Chargers for awhile now, and that pressure will be applied by Broughton, as well as their first-round selection Jerry Tillery (more on him later).

The addition of La’Roi Glover

Broughton was a force at Cincinnati during his time with the Bearcats whose stats improved every year since he was a freshman. The fact that he dealt with multiple position coaches during his tenure there and was still able to thrive speaks to his ability to be coached. Enter Coach La’Roi Glover. This could be a match made in heaven folks.

Jerry Tillery

How is Jerry Tillery going to help someone who is fighting for the same position? The answer is simple: Less pressure.

If he were the only defensive tackle the Chargers selected this past draft, Broughton would be expected to be the immediate answer for generating interior pressure. With Tillery in front of him, Broughton can be developed by coaches Giff Smith and Glover to become that rotational player who can give the Chargers continued interior pressure.

This defense is getting younger at every position, and although some may have wanted the Chargers to add more depth at defensive tackle through free agency, Broughton will be able to step in day one and contribute.

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