Chargers Standout Rookie Could Fill Massive Need

The Los Angeles Chargers may have stumbled upon a undrafted free agent gem. Jerrod Clark, the mammoth defensive tackle from Coastal Carolina, is off to a strong start. This guy looks like he has a great chance not only to make the roster, but to be a key contributor on this Chargers defense. 

And let’s be honest. This Chargers defense was bad last season. Injuries on the offense (either to Herbert or to his playmakers) made headlines, but the defense was the real Achilles heal talent-wise. LA finished dead last in yards per carry given up on defense at 5.4 YPC. That will not get it done. 

Adding in a massive run stuffing defensive tackle like Clark could certainly help. Clark was a team captain for a really good Coastal Carolina team. Plus he’s a fifth-year senior so you know he has a lot of the maturity needed to handle NFL responsibilities. 

The best part about Clark is that he will be asked to do one simple (although challenging) task: consume two gaps and make it harder to run against the Chargers defense. “Two-Gap” defenders are critical for any team that likes to play with 2-deep safeties predominantly (which Brandon Staley likes to do it). It makes sense when think about. Instead of bringing an 8th defender in the box you just have a couple defenders that take up enough space so that way 7 defenders looks like 8. 

Whether Clark can fill that role come regular season time remains to be seen. But this guy is off to a strong start and if Clark starts building momentum don’t be surprised if he plays a lot of meaningful snaps come 2023. 

See video below for more discussion: