Chargers Pick OLB Kyle Emanuel, DT Darius Philon in Draft Rounds 5 and 6

The San Diego Chargers made their final two picks of the 2015 NFL Draft on Saturday: this time it was outside linebacker Kyle Emanuel out of North Dakota State and defensive tackle Darius Philon from Arkansas.

The Bolts selected Emanuel with the 153rd pick of Round 5 and Philon with the 192nd pick in Round 6. That makes four of the team's five picks defensive players, adding at least one at every level.

Emanuel is an interesting prospect. He destroyed the FCS level with 19.5 sacks in 2014. Now, those are not exactly SEC left tackles he's running by, but at 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds Emanuel has the size, speed and burst to give him a chance at success in the NFL. With the departure of Dwight Freeney and retirement of Jarret Johnson, the Bolts were looking for another edge rusher to add to Melvin Ingram and Jerry Attaochu.

This could be one of those "sleeper" picks, a guy from a small school who has big NFL success. One respected talent evaluator wrote of Emanuel: "(his) tape shows a combination of motor and skill that should be respected inside NFL buildings once he's studied closely. Emanuel has the leverage and hips to get under tackles and turn the corner.”

Philon is more of a project. He's a monster of a man at 6-foot-1 and 298 pounds, but he left Arkansas after his redshirt sophomore season so he's still filling out and can add bulk to his frame.

Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema wanted Philon to stay in school another year, thinking he'd be at least a top-2 round pick with another year of development. Philon's skill set is impressive yet raw.

A defensive end in high school, he learned how to use his hands as a pass rusher before moving inside as a tackle in college. The consensus is Philon needs time to develop but if he does reach his potential he could be a starting interior lineman with the ability to rush the passer, something the Chargers need desperately.

The Chargers now look to sign their class of undrafted rookies still looking for help along the offensive line and at wide receiver.

Contact Us