Chargers take two Texas prospects in Bijan Robinson-centric mock draft
With the 85th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select: Texas IDL Moro Ojomo
The Chargers need help on the defensive line interior no matter which way it's sliced. Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Morgan Fox is a good enough trio from a pass-rushing standpoint but the Chargers got absolutely destroyed (again) vs. the run last year. Otito Ogbonnia and the aforementioned Johnson are both recovering from season-ending injuries in 2022.
Moro Ojomo is a high-floor, high-ceiling draft candidate. He's just 21 years old and has the chance to add moves to a somewhat limited pass-rushing repertoire in the pros. But even without a full bag of tricks, he's gotten the results. Ojomo is an awesome run defender who consistently flashes his hands and ability to push linemen backward. It's pretty obvious as to why the Chargers could use one of those.
Ojomo led the Big XII in pass rush win rate amongst defensive tackles at 17%. He had five sacks and graded in the 90th percentile of this draft class in run defense grade.
The real treat with Ojomo is the ability to potentially have him as a Swiss Army Knife throughout the line. While he's listed at IDL, he's also been a pass rusher out at the EDGE and had success:
If #Texas iDL Moro Ojomo figures out how to use his hands consistently to rush the passer, look out. Very sound run defender overall, but leaves a lot to be desired as a pass rusher.
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) March 24, 2023
Has potential to have an elite-level long arm due to length (34-inch arms). pic.twitter.com/bcAFfN9seD
Post-Jerry Tillery, it's understandable why Chargers fans would be a little bit concerned with drafting a slightly undersized defensive tackle. But Ojomo has great arm length and shows consistent motor/drive as a pass rusher and run defender.