The Los Angeles Chargers already have their two premier edge rushers cemented in Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack. But it was their acquisition of Odafe Oweh last season that truly allowed that group to find its final form.
Oweh held things down while Mack was out with an arm injury. But even when Mack returned, Oweh was still a highly important contributor and disruptive presence. Jesse Minter was able to leverage the power and unique skill-sets of each of his three pass rushers to create havoc in opposing backfields.
One would assume that new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary has many of the same intentions. The Chargers, therefore, need to add another edge rusher this offseason. At this point, that almost certainly comes through the draft.
Brent Sobleski at Bleacher Report recently named UCF's Malachi Lawrence as one of the draft's biggest risers at this stage in the process. That alone is intriguing. But Sobleski went as far as to compare Lawrence to Oweh in terms of his physical profile.
If this proves true, Lawrence's college production should have the Chargers rushing to bring him in for a visit.
The Chargers need to buy into the hype around Malachi Lawrence
Los Angeles undoubtedly needs to replace Oweh's production this offseason. There are a number of edge rushers in this draft class, even down into the fourth and fifth rounds, that could at least fill his roster spot. But there are likely very few who can play the role the Chargers need.
Bleacher Report has Lawrence slated as a first or second-round prospect despite most outlets not having him in their Top-75. But they're not alone in this sentiment. Pete Prisco's latest mock draft for CBS Sports has Los Angeles nabbing him at 22nd overall.
Is the hype around Lawrence just a product of the liminal space between the Scouting Combine and the actual draft? Possibly. But Sobleski gives a compelling reason to be high on Lawrence nonetheless.
"He was more productive in college than Danielle Hunter and Odafe Oweh, while presenting very similar physical attributes. When those two names are mentioned, it's easy to understand why the expectation is now there for Lawrence to come off the board quite early despite valid reasons why he isn't graded as Day 1 or early Day 2 option."- Brent Sobleski
Through 12 games last season, Lawrence amassed 28 combined tackles, seven sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. He tested well at the Combine, and he has the physical tools to be truly disruptive at the next level.
He is by no means a perfect prospect. He needs refinement as a run defender and needs to be more consistent beating his man at the point of attack.
But so much of what Los Angeles accomplished defensively last season was a result of Oweh's highly physical presence in the pass rush. If they have a chance to replace not only his production but also his particular fit with Mack and Tuipulotu, the Chargers should do all they can to grab Lawrence on draft night.