Chargers take top pass rusher in new 2021 mock

Through the first nine games of the season, I’d say the biggest needs for the Chargers aren’t so certain anymore.

It’s always been offensive line. Every year, like clockwork. I’d still say offensive line is still No. 1, but it’s hard to argue that cornerback isn’t up there as well. But then there’s the case of the pass rush.

The Chargers have been without Joey Bosa for the past two weeks. In that span, they accumulated just one sack, courtesy of Jerry Tillery. Through six games played this season, veteran Melvin Ingram has zero sacks and is making $14 million dollars in 2020. At this rate, I don’t think he returns next season and despite the team having his replacement in Uchenna Nwosu, the defense need’s a third fiddle who can get after the quarterback.

So, how would everyone feel about the team taking THE top edge rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft? Because that’s exactly what happened in CBS Sports’ latest mock by draft analyst Ryan Wilson.

With the fifth-overall pick, Wilson has the Chargers selecting Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau, just one pick after the Washington Football Team picked Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell.

Rousseau opted out of the 2020 college season to prepare for the 2021 draft as he knows he’s already a bonafide top-10 pick.

In his final collegiate season, Rousseau total 54 tackles, 19.5 tackles-for-loss, and 15.5 sacks. That’s a game-wrecker if I’ve ever seen one. He’s also a physical specimen at 6’7 and 265 pounds. He may need to add a little mass, but he’s shown no signs of being a liability when stopping the run.

He looks almost too thin at 265 due to his huge frame, but he bulldozes running backs and offensive tackles all the same. It’s actually pretty incredible to see. He’s also got immense body control for someone with his elongated limbs. It’s crazy to say, but Rousseau may have more than one level he could strive to take his game to in the future.