Chargers news: Bolt sign versatile defensive lineman to bolster depth
By Jason Reed
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The NFL offseason has certainly slowed down but there is still LA Chargers news trickling in as the team continues to add to the roster for the 2023 season.
The Bolts continued to add depth to the defensive line as the team signed defensive lineman Nick Williams to a one-year deal. Williams spent last season with the New York Giants and previously spent time with Brandon Staley on the Chicago Bears.
Nick Williams provides versatile depth to the Chargers defensive line
Williams is not going to play a huge role on the Chargers in 2023 but the nine-year NFL veteran does still provide a lot of value as a depth option on the defensive line. Williams has showcased the ability to play in several different alignments on the defensive line, which is very valuable for someone who is meant to provide a relief in the case of injuries.
Most of Williams' snaps are either as a defensive tackle or nose tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has played 1,333 snaps at defensive tackle in his career and 346 snaps at a nose tackle. However, as his career has gone on he has moved around the defensive line more.
Williams has played 460 snaps lined up over an offensive tackle and 86 snaps outside of an offensive tackle. Of those 86 snaps, 52 have come in the last two years. 354 of his 460 snaps over an offensive tackle have been in the last three seasons.
Williams is the icing on the cake for what has become a relatively deep defensive line group in Los Angeles. The interior defensive line now consists of Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock and Williams as the leading snap-getters.
There is also the potential to kick second-round pick Tuli Tuipulotu inside on pass-rushing downs as well. All in all, this is a deep defensive line group that should be able to withstand the trials and tribulations of the regular season and give the Chargers a real shot of advancing deep into the NFL Playoffs.
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