After using their first-round pick on Akheem Mesidor, the Chargers have their top EDGE rushing trio. Mesidor, Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu will be deployed in the three EDGE sets that the Chargers have valued over the last few years. The interesting conversation starts behind those three names.
Chargers DC Chris O'Leary spoke to the media for the first time since his introductory press conference. First, he was asked specifically about new UDFA EDGE Nadame Tucker. Tucker played on O'Leary's defense at Western Michigan:
"I like to think I'm a guy that carries a chip on my shoulder, that's who Dame is," O'Leary said. "And I think Dame's chip got even bigger for being undrafted. But we've believed in him from the start. I know who he is and who he can be. And so we're excited to get going with him, I think he's got a really, really bright future."
Could Chargers DC Chris O'Leary's endorsement of Nadame Tucker spell trouble for LA's other EDGE defenders?
Daniel Popper of The Athletic asked a follow-up question about O'Leary's expectations for the backend of the EDGE room. The higher end number of carrying EDGE players on the main roster tends to be five for the Chargers. Now with seemingly a sneaky 53-man roster contender joining the group in Tucker, there's some added pressure on players like Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard.
During the playoff game at New England, the Chargers only played Mack, Tuipulotu, and Odafe Oweh. Dupree and Kennard were healthy scratches.
"I think whatever plays out, we're gonna have really good EDGEs," O'Leary said. "That's kind of the starting point. Bud's [Dupree] been really good for us the last few years. I think at the end of the day, just like we talked about with the safeties-when we get into fall camp and we get to really now it's competition, we're gonna find out who the best players are."
O'Leary went on to say that veteran status and previous roster retention would matter less. "We're going to put the best players on the field," O'Leary stated.
It'll ultimately still be an uphill battle for Tucker to make the roster. But considering the prior relationship with O'Leary and both Dupree and Kennard entering the season on uncertain ground, the door is at least slightly ajar.
LB Marlowe Wax, CB Eric Rogers, and CB Nikko Reed made the initial 53-man roster as UDFAs last season. Tucker will look to achieve the same goal on this years' Chargers roster in August.
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