Getty ImagesThe San Diego Chargers spent the past several days trying to work a trade up for Alabama safety Mark Barron. But it never happened, and the Bolts stood pat at No. 18, using the pick on South Carolina pass rusher Melvin Ingram.
Projected as a likely top-ten pick during January’s Senior Bowl, Ingram slipped in the draft due to concerns with his short arms and stocky body. He’s not the prototype pass rusher at shy of 6-foot-2, but Ingram was highly productive in the SEC. He led the Gamecocks in sacks (10) and tackles for loss (15) while earning first-team All-American honors alongside Illinois’ Whitney Mercilus.
Teams were genuinely concerned about where to play Ingram. He played all over the formation at South Carolina. In San Diego, Ingram’s likeliest position is outside linebacker on passing downs. He can also wreak havoc with his hand in the dirt, and got much of his college production as a defensive tackle on the interior line.
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To much value on the board to say that he slipped. Especially with all the reach picks!
Not gonna lie, but that was a pretty badass handshake that he did with Goddell. Kid has personality. Chargers needed a pass rusher badly.
Best value pick of the draft
my colts couldve traded u freeney for this pick, but we wouldve picked a better player than this tho
T-Rex!
Steal of the draft so far.
Great pick:) I did not think he would be available. He is a big time athlete!
great pick.. top ten talent at 18… best steal of the first round….
Did anyone else find it odd that he didnt look at all happy or exited when his name was called,should of traded down for Harrison Smith and gotten Courtney upshaw in round two
No, you are the ONLY one who found it odd, danfoutsbeard619.
I think its a great pick! hope he has a great work ethic!
He probably didn’t look happy because he didn’t go top 10.
He thought he was going to another team from the east coast.