The Chargers are entering this offseason with four free agent defensive tackles — Brandon Mebane, Corey Liuget, Darius Philon and Damion Square. It’s unlikely that they will all be back on the roster for the 2019 season, which makes there some holes to fill.
As such, here is a look at four defensive tackles for Los Angeles to consider during the 2019 NFL free agency period which will see players allowed to officially sign with teams March 14.
Grady Jarrett | Falcons
Having an all-around defensive tackle who can rush the passer and stop the run will be on the Chargers’ radar, and Falcons DT Grady Jerrett possesses just that.
At 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, Jarrett is a bit undersized, but he plays the position a lot bigger than his size suggests. The 25-year old defensive tackle found success in his traditional role as a run stuffer and pass rusher. The former fifth rounder’s leadership, experience and athleticism, will make him a great option for the Bolts.
If Atlanta opts to not pay him big money like he’s expecting, then Jarrett would become a hot commodity this offseason. One that may be out of Los Angeles’ price range, but one that could help the defensive line immensely.
The former Clemson product amassed 52 tackles (27 solo), eight tackles for loss and six sacks in his 2018 campaign.
Bennie Logan | Titans
Former Titans defensive tackle Bennie Logan is exactly the type of player the Chargers with DT Brandon Mebane on the verge of departing. Logan would be lined up as a run-stuffing nose tackle with his ability to split double teams and make life easier for the rest of the front seven members.
At 6-foot-2 and 315 pounds, Logan was not on the state sheet as much as you’d like, as he just didn’t see the field that often after signing a one-year deal with Tennessee. But Logan has the athleticism for his stout build with quickness off the snap and ability to reach through blockers to get the ball carrier. It’s really hard to move him off the line, where he shows off his brute strength and he does a great job at taking on double-teams.
Logan is a smart player, hard worker, and strong tackler that could bring a force to the Bolts’ defensive line. Most importantly, it wouldn’t cost the Chargers that much, either.
Johnathan Hankins | Raiders
Hankins was a free agent last offseason that many figured the Chargers would have interest in. After a phenomenal seven-sack season with the Giants, he became available and was later signed by the Colts, but was cut after a defensive scheme.
He signed with the Raiders for 14 games in 2018, posting 36 tackles (21 solo), four tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.
At 27 years old, Hankins would provide an immediate upgrade and help add to the defensive line that the Chargers are in the process of piecing together. The former Ohio State product would greatly bolster Los Angeles’ run defense and would provide serviceable pass rush ability as well.
Henry Anderson | Jets
Anderson is an intriguing player who could offer versatility for Los Angeles. Throughout the majority of his career, he’s been misused. Anderson played in the Colts’ 3-4 scheme that asked him to serve more as a run stopping space-eater. He held his own, tallying 65 tackles (43 solo), nine tackles for loss, and three sacks in 29 games.
Before the 2018 season, Anderson was traded to the Jets, where his pass rushing skills were utilized much more effectively. Playing in all 16 games for the first time in his career, Anderson tallied 35 tackles (22 solo), seven sacks and seven tackles for loss.
If he joined the Chargers, it would be the first time he’s played in a 4-3 defense. However, he has shown he has the ideal traits to succeed in the scheme defensive coordinator Gus Bradley uses and makes him an effective option at the one-technique role in passing downs.
