Chargers Depth on Defensive Line is a Big Plus

The San Diego Chargers struggled defensively last year. The team failed to generate much of a pass rush at all, with the only real noteworthy performance belonging to Antwan Barnes, who recorded 11 sacks. The team did a good job adding quality players through the draft to help the defense, but there are still lots of questions that remain about the unit as a whole. Perhaps the biggest bright spot for the defense is the depth and talent of the defensive line. The unit features good starters and depth. Here is a more in depth look at the 2012 Chargers defensive line.

Defensive End
This may be the better part of the unit.

 Luis Castillo is back from the broken leg he suffered last season and should play at a high level again. He has been a consistent player for the Chargers. The one year contract that he has been signed to benefits the Chargers in the fact that they are getting a one year test run with Castillo for a minimal investment. Cesaire is another quality veteran lineman for the Chargers. With Cory Liuget coming off of his rookie year and new addition Kedall Reyes, this unit will feature a deep rotation with a good mix of youth and veteran experience.

Defensive Tackle
Still a very strong unit.

Antonio Garay will be back to anchor the line for another season, but he will have some serious competition and help from up and comer Cam Thomas. Thomas, a 5th round pick from 2010, has turned into a very capable lineman who should work his way into the starting role very soon. Thomas also was the leading sack man for the defensive line with 4 sacks last season. Add Vaughn Martin into that group and you have a very deep and talented rotation at nose tackle.

Grading the San Diego Chargers Draft

With the draft officially wrapped up, it is time to take a look at just how well the Chargers did. This will include both an overall ranking and a ranking for each pick.

Round 1, Pick 18: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina (B+)

I am really not sure about this pick. If he is as talented as everyone says he is, then great for the Chargers. My biggest concern is how he handles the transition to OLB. I know that he has played it some in the past, but he is used to playing with his hand in the dirt. I hope that his cover skills are decent, because I really don't want to see a first round pick used on a situational pass rusher. That being said, I do believe that he can contribute to the pass rush. I would like to see him get in and make a difference. We will just have to wait and see how he does. The only thing that is certain is that there is going to be some serious pressure on him to contribute from day one, especially considering the way he fell on draft day.

Round 2, Pick 49: Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, Connecticut (A)

Reyes flew under the radar a bit, but he has serious potential. Any time a team can grab a versatile lineman like Reyes, it is a good thing. He has the size to move in and play DT in a pinch or in nickel schemes, but projects as a defensive end. With Cesaire and Castillo both aging or coming off injury, Reyes should be a factor for the Chargers as a rotational player who eventually starts opposite Corey Liuget. He didn't record a high number of sacks in college, but that isn't that important in a 3-4 scheme. He has the ability to handle double teams but also possesses the agility to split the double teams.

Round 3, Pick 73: Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU (B)

This was an area that the Chargers needed to address and they did. Taylor needs to develop his coverage skills, but he does bring a physical presence to the defense and the position. He was the quarterback of LSU's defense. This wasn't a very deep class at safety, so we will see how this pick pans out. There isn't a huge amount of pressure for him to be effective from day one, especially with Atari Bigby already on the team. It will be interesting to see what the team plans to do with Stuckey now that they have Taylor and Bigby.

San Diego Chargers Select Kendall Reyes 49th Overall

The San Diego Chargers have selected Connecticut DT/DE Kendall Reyes. Reyes was a team captain for the Huskies. The Chargers will play him at DE. Expect him to rotate in with last years first round pick Corey Liuget and to eventually take the place of either Jacques Cesaire or Luis Castillo. People have wondered about his consistency at times, but he should be a good addition to the team. With Cesaire, Castillo, Garay, Martin, Liuget, and Thomas, the Chargers may just have a great defensive line. Reyes didn't put up a ton of sacks, but that isn't a huge deal for a 3-4 end. He has enough flash to split the double team and has great strength to bull rush his opponent. All in all, a very solid pick.

Luis Castillo Returns

The San Diego Chargers have announced that they have signed DE Luis Castillo back to the team on a 1 year contract. Castillo missed all but part of the preseason opener last season with a broken leg. The team cut his in a salary cap move. He rejoins the team on a much cheaper deal. Catillo is a former first round selection for the Chargers and rejoins Antonio Garay in resigning with the team. It appears that the Chargers defensive line will look much the same as last year with Garay and Thomas holding the middle and Castillo, Martin, Cesaire, and Liuget on the ends. It will be interesting to see if San Diego is pleased enough to offer Castillo a long term deal at the end of the season. By signing him to a 1 year deal, they ensure that they are making a minimal investment given his injury and can possibly gain a maximum reward of Castillo returning to form. This is a smart move by the Chargers.