LA Chargers NFL Draft: 6 late-round prospects team will regret passing on
By Tyler Gallagher
LA Chargers missed on safety Hamsah Nasirildeen (Selected Round 6, 186th overall by the New York Jets)
The first player who comes to mind as a potential stud the LA Chargers missed out on is safety Hamsah Nasirildeen. Nasirildeen went one pick after Los Angeles selected linebacker Nick Niemann, who is expected to be an impact special teamer.
Nasirildeen would clearly be a useful depth piece for the Chargers, given their depth at safety before the draft beyond Nasir Adderley and Derwin James was just Alohi Gilman.
However, Nasirildeen possesses the talent to develop into well more than a depth piece.
Nasirildeen is expected to be a box safety in the NFL with plus physical traits to be a more versatile piece. He could immediately serve in an Adrian Phillips role, and he would be a good backup to James.
On top of that, Nasirildeen is the type of individual Tom Telesco usually loves. Despite being out with injuries in 2020, Nasirildeen traveled with his Florida State team to provide guidance and leadership for his fellow teammates.
Nasirildeen was a great pick by the New York Jets, and while he may need some time to adjust to the concepts of the NFL, he should do well in a unique box safety role at the next level.
LA Chargers missed on EDGE Quincy Roche (Selected Round 6, 216th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers)
Another player who fell far further than expected was Quincy Roche, the edge rusher from Miami who was frequently mocked to the Chargers in the offseason, most often in the third or fourth round.
While the Chargers were able to select Chris Rumph II in the fourth round of the draft, good teams know that you can never have too many edge rushers.
Throughout his career at both Miami and Temple, Roche was an extremely productive defender. In the 10 games he played in 2020, Roche posted 14.5 tackles for loss and recorded three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
Roche fell down the board a bit because he has relatively average athleticism and length that may not translate as well to the next level.
However, Roche has excellent technique and hand fighting ability that can translate more immediately to NFL production than the potential of players like Rumph. Doubling down at the position with Roche may have helped to give LA more immediate pass-rushing impact.