LA Chargers: Day three defensive lineman targets in the 2020 NFL Draft

With the draft heading into the last day, let’s take a look at some potential defensive line options for the LA Chargers.

While you might read this headline and think defensive line isn’t that big of a need for the LA Chargers, especially after trading a third-round pick, Tom Telesco has taken at least one defensive linemen in the draft since he became the Chargers general manager. The team could use some more depth at defensive tackle, and you can never have enough pass rushers.

The good news here is that the draft has played out in such a way that there are still some quality options remaining at these positions. Kenneth Murray’s teammate, Neville Gallimore, had a late first-round grade by most analysts, and he was taken much later than that. Sometimes certain positions just get pushed down the board and this draft so far has been dominated by corners and wide receivers.

I believe and hope the team will target a receiver and a corner in the fourth and fifth rounds tomorrow. So that being said let’s take a look at five potential defensive line options for this team that can be had in the fifth round and beyond, starting with my personal favorite.

Leki Fotu, Defensive Tackle, Utah

Leki Fotu out of Utah is one of the most under-appreciated players in the class in my opinion. he has been a constant disruptive force for the Utes for the last few years. He’s been recognized as an All-American and All-Conference player over the last two seasons. Coming in at 6’5, and 330 pounds he is one of the strongest players at his position.

Simply put, he is a people mover. Not only is he a really big and strong, but he’s also a fantastic athlete. He even spent time playing for the US National Rugby team. That athleticism shows up on the tape in enough spurts where I am confident that he can produce at the next level.

RSNB Home edits #6: @LekiFotu is dominant at the LOS, and is a D-Line Coach’s dream! The big man can move!!!! Take a look. @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/6d85NeN89m

— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) April 13, 2020

He constantly took on double teams this past season for one of the best defenses in the country. But he’s more than just a run-stuffing defensive tackle. When given the chance to rush the passer he can be a quiet producer, he had three sacks as a junior in 2018.

The Chargers could ultimately look to bring back a veteran option like Damion Square or Sylvester Williams, but if they decide to choose one in the draft today, Fotu is my number one option. He’d be able to sit and learn behind Linval Joseph and then take over as the main nose tackle in a few years.