San Diego Chargers Draft: Mid-to-Late-Round Prospects to Add to the Defense

Last week I looked at which mid-to-late-round targets to add to the offense; now it’s time to look at which targets to add to the defense.

The Chargers defense took a huge step backwards last season. They went from the No. 1 ranked team in total defense in 2010, to the 16th ranked team in total defense in 2011.

Changes are clearly needed on defense for next season. Changes to the coaching staff have already been made with the firing of Greg Manusky and John Pagano promoted to defensive coordinator.

Now that a coaching change has been made the question is—who will the Chargers draft to help improve the defense?

Let’s find out.

Bruce Irvin, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, West Virginia

Bruce Irvin is another one of those hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker prospects who's looking to make the transition to the NFL. He had an outstanding Combine where he impressed scouts by running a 4.50 40 yard dash.

Now for the the bad news.

He was arrested just a few weeks after the Combine and has had some other run-ins with the law in the past. Unfortunately like many other players in this Draft, Irvin is a talented yet troubled player who will be forced to clean up his act if he wants to make it in the NFL.

Irvin would be a great player to add to the Chargers pass rush and could be used exclusively as a third down pass rusher alongside Antwan Barnes.

NFL Comparison: Cameron Wake

Projected Round: second or third

Jaye Howard, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End, Florida

Let me begin by stating that I think Jaye Howard is one of the most underrated players in this year’s draft. The 6' 3", 303 pound senior would surely be a steal for any team to pick up in the middle rounds.

The Chargers' defensive line is led by veteran Antonio Garay with young players Cam Thomas and Vaughn Martin both showing tremendous promise last season.

Just like last year’s first round pick, Corey Liuget, Howard would probably be asked to play as a defensive end in the Chargers three-four defense.

Howard would be a nice addition to add to the defensive line rotation.

NFL Comparison: Cullen Jenkins

Projected Round: fourth or fifth

Cliff Harris, Cornerback, Oregon

Similar to Bruce Irvin, Cliff Harris has some off-field concerns of his own. Harris had a fantastic 2010 season in which he was a great contributor for Oregon, both on special teams and on defense, but he followed that up with an awful 2011 season in which he was eventually dismissed from the team.

Harris would add depth in the secondary as a backup cornerback alongside last year’s rookies, Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright, with Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason projected as the starters. He also adds value in the return game and could compete with newly signed Eddie Royal for the primary punt returner position.

Despite having various character concerns, Harris would still be worth taking a risk on in the latter rounds.

NFL Comparison: Adam Jones

Projected Round: sixth or seventh

Note to Chargers Front Office

Dean Spanos, A.J. Smith and co. usually try to stay away from players with off-field issues, but just this once, let's hope they'll change their minds and take a risk on both Bruce Irvin and Cliff Harris.

With some veteran leadership and a slight change of attitude, both these players could have promising futures in the NFL, and I for one hope that those futures will be with the Chargers.

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