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LA Chargers Draft: Ranking the top five 2021 NFL Draft needs

By Alexander Insdorf

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Dan Feeney #66 of the Los Angeles Chargers and DeShawn Williams #90 of the Denver Broncos prepare for the snap in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Dan Feeney #66 of the Los Angeles Chargers and DeShawn Williams #90 of the Denver Broncos prepare for the snap in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

LA Chargers biggest draft needs: 3. Defensive End/EDGE

The Chargers have used Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram as their primary edge pass rushers for the last five seasons. Bosa received his five year extension with Los Angeles last offseason.

Ingram was allowed to play out the last year of his contract without an extension and it didn’t go particularly well. Dealing with a knee injury for most of the season, Ingram registered zero sacks before he was put on season ending IR.

The obvious question to ask here is in regards Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme. Is Ingram the outside linebacker they need to run a 3-4 scheme with lots of movement and potential pass coverage situations?

While Ingram did run 3-4 with John Pagano as the defensive coordinator, it was a lot different than Staley prefers to do on defense. The veteran Chargers DE will also be turning 32 prior to this season.

There is an absolute treasure trove of outside linebackers available in free agency from Leonard Floyd to Shaquil Barrett. The draft is also a place where the Chargers could get themselves a good outside linebacker. Gregory Rousseau, Joseph Ossai, and Senior Bowl standout Elerson Smith could all fit the job description.

RELATED: Why the LA Chargers will sign Leonard Floyd

Edge isn’t the most pressing need, but the change in defensive system does create more questions than answers.

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