2018 NFL Draft: Five landing spots for UNC linebacker Andre Smith

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have one of the best defenses in the AFC and finished fifth in the NFL with 43 sacks in 2017. Their defense is led by two of the best pass rushers in the league in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.

Going into the 2018 NFL Draft, the Chargers are in need of a boost at inside linebacker.

They could find themselves taking one early on with their first-round pick or wait until day two to address that need. If they do indeed wait until day three and the later rounds, Smith could be an interesting option.

The interior of the Chargers’ defense could use a boost and what better way than to address that in the draft. Smith wouldn’t be put in a position where he’d have to come in right away and make an impact but he could use some time to learn the defense and become a solid player inside to compliment both Ingram and Bosa on the outside.

Smith is solid defending the run inside and can be a boost in that area for Los Angeles. He projects to be an early down player, which might help his fit with Los Angeles.

With the Chargers having a chance to win a wide-open AFC West in 2018, Smith could find himself on a winner early on in his career.