LA Chargers: Grading the 2020 defensive line
LA Chargers defensive line grades: Melvin Ingram
Like Bosa, Ingram is also entering a contract year. Even as he turns 31 before the upcoming season, there’s no real reason to expect his production to decline.
Ingram’s production was a bit down from where it was in 2018, but that’s mostly due to missing three games with a hamstring injury. Prior to 2019, Ingram had played four consecutive seasons of 16 games. Perhaps injury risk is increased now that he’s on the wrong side of 30, but a hamstring injury can happen to anyone.
Had the Chargers signed Tom Brady or any quarterback with a high cap hit, Ingram’s future with the Chargers would’ve potentially been in jeopardy. Now that they’ve drafted Justin Herbert, the team doesn’t need to worry about any quarterback eating up salary cap for at least four years.
That’s important because the team should keep the Bosa-Ingram duo together. Last year, the two combined for 119 pressures, 21 sacks, 88 hurries, and 99 tackles. Keep in mind, all of this was happening with a fairly weak interior line. Either Ingram was getting double-teamed or Bosa was on most snaps.
Ever since Ingram was converted to defensive end, he’s been remarkably consistent for the Chargers. While signing him to a three or four-year deal that takes him into his mid-30s could be risky, it’s worth it. Truly great edge rushers are hard to find and other than Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, no other pass-rushing duo comes close to Bosa and Ingram.