Chargers 2011 Draft: Illinois DT Corey Liuget

Written by Gil Alcaraz | 28 April 2011

With the 18^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select Corey Liuget, defensive tackle from Illinois.

Liuget is a great defensive lineman who has the potential and strength to be a force in the middle of the Chargers’ defense. Although he’s more of a defensive tackle than a defensive end, the Chargers will most likely use him as a defensive end in their 3-4 defense. He’s got great size (6-3, 300) to go along with superb strength to bust through the line against the pass. Against the run, he is even more disruptive.

He keeps his head up, tracks the ball well and wraps up ball-carriers with consistency and power. When he gets his shot on a runner, he can be an explosive and punishing hitter. During his time with the Fighting Illini, he asserted his dominance on opposing offenses and should continue to grow as an inside threat.

With some big question marks at the defensive end position, the Chargers were in desperate need of some youth heading into the draft. The defense is at a huge deficiency in both starters and depth at the position, and the addition of Liuget should alleviate the pain immediately. Don’t be surprised to see them take another defensive lineman or two before the draft is over.

Despite the fact that Liuget should be able to make an impact for the Bolts, it was still a questionable pick. The Chargers left Cameron Jordan, defensive end from Cal, on the board despite most people being surprised that he made it that far into the draft.

Pick Grade: B