The strength of the Los Angeles Chargers' interior defensive line took a massive hit during the offseason with the loss of Poona Ford, who made a significant impact in what turned out to be his lone season with the Bolts.
Including LA's postseason loss to the Houston Texans, Ford started all 18 games in 2024, recording 42 total tackles, nine of which went for a loss, nine quarterback hits, three sacks, five passes defended, and an interception.
With an 85.3 overall PFF grade, Ford ranked fifth among all interior defensive linemen behind only Chris Jones (90.2), Cameron Heyward (90.1), Dexter Lawrence (89.9), and Leonard Williams (87.1). Naturally, fans were upset when the team chose not to bring him back, at which point he signed a three-year, $27.6 million contract with the LA Rams. Bolts GM Joe Hortiz says an offer was made, but it obviously wasn't enough.
The Chargers now need someone to step up in his absence, and it appears that 2024 fourth-round pick Justin Eboigbe may be that someone, as he's turned a few heads during the first week of training camp.
Justin Eboigbe is stepping up without Poona Ford on the LA Chargers
The Alabama alum appeared in just five games a season ago and took only 26 defensive snaps, recording just two tackles. Clearly wanting to position himself for a more significant role, Eboigbe packed on 20-plus pounds during the offseason and came to camp ready to go.
And according to Chargers analyst Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the 24-year-old was extremely impressive during the team's second padded practice on Thursday.
"Second-year defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe was a difference-maker in the run game all practice," Popper wrote. "He stuffed running back Kimani Vidal in nine-on-seven. Later in 11-on-11, with the offense backed up close to its own goal line, Eboigbe came off the ball and drove tackle Ryan Nelson into the backfield. The penetration obstructed running back Hassan Haskins. Eboigbe earned some encouragement from defensive line coach Mike Elston after that play.
"Eboigbe then had a tackle for loss on a Vidal handoff closer to the end of practice. He also created penetration on a Jaret Patterson run up the middle."
With the Chargers losing Morgan Fox as well, it's even more important for Eboigbe to step up. He won't be handed anything by any stretch of the imagination, as he has plenty of competition for snaps.
Free-agent signings Da'Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones are looking to impress, as is third-round rookie Jamaree Caldwell. Teair Tart and Otito Ogbannia seem to have two of the starting spots locked up at the moment, but head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will undoubtedly go with the guys they believe can best help the Chargers win football games.
Eboigbe certainly needs more than just a week to move up the depth chart, but he's off to a solid start.