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The Chargers are apparently doing their research on prospects from one of their strongest position groups currently on the team. Per Justin Melo of The Draft Wire, the Bolts have met with former North Dakota State defensive end Derrek Tuszka, one of the biggest risers at his position following an impressive showing at the NFL Combine back in February.
.@NDSUfootball EDGE Derrek Tuszka had the best 3-cone time (6.87) of any EDGE rusher at the combine.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 20, 2020
He's recently held pre-draft FaceTime meetings with the #Giants, #Bengals, #Eagles, #Chargers, #Jaguars, #Titans & #49ers.
Tuszka is entering the NFL Draft after being named the Mississippi Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American following a 19 tackle-for-loss, 13.5-sack senior season. He played a massive role in the Bison’s recent string of national championships at the FCS level and looks to continue his success in the pros.
The productive edge-rusher ran a 4.79 in the forty with a 6.87 in the 3-cone and a 4.34 in the short shuttle. Tuszka’s 3-cone time was best among all edge-rushers at the combine.
He was still solid as a junior back in 2018 where he earned Honorable Mention MVFC honors. That year he also finished with 48 tackles and still recorded 12 tackles-for-loss and 7.5 sacks while starting in just seven of 15 games.
Just got off the phone with NDSU DE Derrek Tuszka... I'm gonna say it right now, he will be the steal of the draft. Great character and smarts to go along with great talent and athleticism. I love him as a prospect.
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) April 15, 2020
The #Colts met with him at the Shrine Game and the Combine: pic.twitter.com/uiSECfKfhm
The Chargers are no strangers to drafting players out of North Dakota State, with former linebacker Kyle Emanuel and current quarterback Easton Stick both hailing from Fargo. Will the Chargers dip back into that well? Time will tell.