3. Steven Johnson, LB
The LA Chargers could use some linebacker help after the team released veteran linebacker Thomas Davis earlier in the offseason. Davis was the team’s strongside linebacker, and right now, there are not many great fits on the roster for the position.
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The Chargers could certainly make it work if needed with the rest of the defense being fairly solid, but chances are that the team will add a linebacker in the draft and could even add one in free agency.
If the Chargers are set on adding a linebacker early in the draft to replace Davis and just need a cheap signing for some depth, then Steven Johnson is the way to go. He would be a signing that would allow the team to make other signings as well, such as bringing in an NFL receiver to be the WR3.
Johnson is not going to cost much and he is someone who the Chargers could be sure of in the linebacker rotation, especially at strongside linebacker.
Johnson bounced around several NFL teams and even started seven games for the Denver Broncos and he was pretty decent. He signed with the AAF, before that folded, and was the leading tackler in the XFL.
Johnson is pretty quick for a backer and could be an asset in both rushing the quarterback and in pass coverage against running backs.
He is probably someone who the team would only use on early downs against the run as his athleticism and football IQ could help plug the running lanes and improve the run defense.