Chargers Bolster EDGE Room With Two New Former Top Draftees

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a strong victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, where their defense performed mightily. Doing this without their veteran leader, Khalil Mack, for the majority of the game. He suffered a now confirmed dislocated elbow and was subsequently placed on short-term injured reserve.

With an open roster spot and a need for another EDGE, the Chargers worked out two EDGE rushers, signing both to the team. Both were through the practice squad, with the expectation to elevate them once they are ready.

Chargers Bolster EDGE Room With Two New Former Top Draftees

Clelin Ferrell – A Former Top 5 Selection

Clelin Ferrell Contract — Oct 10, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The first EDGE rusher the Chargers announced was the signing of former top-5 selection Clelin Ferrell. While Ferrell never lived up to the billing of a top-5 pick, he, at the very least, became a serviceable pass rusher who has a strong knack for stopping the run. The Chargers obviously love bigger-body EDGES who can stop the run, and Ferrell will be there to do just that.

Expect Ferrell to be the first of the two new EDGE rushers in the rotation, as his draft billing and general play over the years are more than enough for Ferrell to play meaningful snaps for the Bolts with Khalil Mack’s injury.

The 6’4 265lbs now-Chargers EDGE rusher graded out quite average last season during his time with the Commanders, having an overall grade of 58.5, a pass rush grade of 60.1, and a run defense grade of 63.8. It could be a lot worse for someone who was still available in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. It will be interesting to see how Ferrell performs under Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter and his associated staff.

Rashad Weaver – Former Top 150 Selection

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) bolts between Tennessee Titans linebacker Caleb Murphy (42) and linebacker Rashad Weaver (99) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

While being selected in the top 150 of the NFL draft is, by most accounts, not a “top selection,” it is still more than noteworthy and shows a team is willing to invest valuable capital into a guy who they believe can become a helpful asset to their team. Newest Chargers EDGE, Rashad Weaver, perfectly fits this bill, being a fourth-round selection (135th overall) in 2021. The Titans were excited to see what they could get from the Pittsburgh product.

Weaver ended up being an intriguing asset during his tenure in Tennessee, as he performed well on Special Teams (65.4 average PFF grade during his Titans career) and also was a pass rusher who flashed potential during his 2022 season. In the 2022 season, he had 5.5 sacks, paying off the Titans for the investment they made in him.

The main reasons for the Titans to move off of Weaver was inconsistency in his play, lack of ability to set the EDGE, and minor personality disagreements Weaver had with the coaching staff. Weaver has now been on three teams since, and is now going to his fourth with the Chargers, joining their EDGE room.

Rashad Weaver beats the left tackle inside for the 3rd-down sack #TENvsNE pic.twitter.com/1XY4i2IUPh

— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) August 26, 2023

The Chargers are desperate to find someone to help replace Khalil Mack after his injury, and if there is anyone who can get the most out of a former top 150 selection, it is Coach Minter.

Main Photo: [Geoff Burke] – Imagn Images

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