A closer look at the areas the San Diego Chargers could address in the draft. We examine the defensive line prospects, scheduled to work out on Sunday in Indianapolis.
Position of need: The Chargers haven't had a double-digit sack leader since 2011. Corey Liuget, the team's best interior lineman, led the team in sacks with 4.5 in 2014. The Chargers allowed 4.53 yards per rush, which was No. 29 in the NFL last season. San Diego needs to add a beefy run stuffer to help improve the team's run defense, along with a disruptive interior rusher to pair with Liuget on passing downs.
Three players the Chargers could target in the draft:
Malcom Brown, Texas: At 6-3 and 317 pounds, Brown could be the stout run stuffer the Chargers are looking for in the middle of John Pagano's 3-4 defensive scheme. Brown was productive in 2014, finishing with 71 tackles -- including 13 for a loss -- and 6.5 sacks. A consensus first-team All-American, Brown finished as a finalist for both the Nagurski Trophy, honoring the nation's top defensive player, and the Outland Trophy, honoring the nation's top interior lineman. Married with two children, Brown is a mature player who fits the culture general manager Tom Telesco and coach Mike McCoy continue to develop in San Diego.
Arik Armstead, Stanford: At 6-7 and 285, Armstead is built like a power forward in basketball. However, Armstead's athletic prowess did not translate into production on the field for the Ducks last season. He finished with 37 tackles -- including 5.5 for a loss -- and just 2.5 sacks in 2014. Armstead likely fits as a 3-4 defensive end for the Chargers who could rush from the inside in passing situations.
Eddie Goldman, Florida State: At 6-3 and 314 pounds, Goldman has a good combination of strength and quickness to create pass rush on third downs, yet hold up as an interior defender in the run game. His skill set compares similarly to Liuget. Goldman finished with 35 tackles -- including eight for a loss -- and four sacks in his final season for the Seminoles.
