Brandon Mebane Says Chargers Defense Has More Talent Than Seahawks'

San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Brandon Mebane appears to be excited about his new team, saying it has more natural ability than his former squad, the Seattle Seahawks.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune's Michael Gehlken, Mebane raved about the Chargers' talent, particularly on defense:

"

I was telling guys, there's more talent on this defense than in Seattle. If you look at the draft, you've got four first-round draft picks. You've got five second-round draft picks, all total on defense. In Seattle, we only had two first rounders and one second rounder. Everybody else was pretty much down in the draft or undrafted.

"

Mebane, 31, spent nine seasons in Seattle. The team made the playoffs six times since drafting him in 2007, including a Super Bowl XLVIII win along with another Super Bowl appearance the following year.

San Diego drafted a defensive player with its first-round pick in four of the last six seasons, while defensive end Bruce Irvin and safety Earl Thomas are the first-round selections on Seattle's defense.

Player	Round (Pick)	Year
DE Joey Bosa	1 (No. 4 Overall)	2016
LB Denzel Perryman	2 (No. 48 Overall)	2015
CB Jason Verrett	1 (No. 25 Overall)	2014
LB Jeremiah Attaochu	2 (No. 50 Overall)	2014
LB Manti Te'o	2 (No. 38 Overall	2013
LB Melvin Ingram	1 (No. 18 Overall)	2012
CB Casey Hayward	2 (No. 62 Overall)	2012
DE Corey Liuget	1 (No. 18 Overall)	2011
CB Brandon Flowers	2 (No. 35 Overall)	2008

Player	Round (Pick)	Year
DE Frank Clark	2 (No. 63 Overall)	2015
DE Bruce Irvin	1 (No. 15 Overall)	2012
LB Bobby Wagner	2 (No. 47 Overall)	2012
S Earl Thomas	1 (No. 14 Overall)	2010

Mebane's definition of "talent" seems to be based almost entirely on draft picks. While San Diego has invested more draft stock in its defense, Seattle's has been more productive.

The Seahawks finished in the top five in total yards allowed in each of the last four seasons. In the same time, San Diego finished within the top 10 twice but fell out of the top half of the league in 2013 and 2015.

As Chargers.com's Ricky Henne noted, Mebane's decree puts pressure on his teammates to validate his statements:

In terms of high draft picks, the Chargers may have a defensive advantage over Seattle. However, that is college talent. The Seahawks continue to prove they have NFL talent. Even though guys such as Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman lasted until the fifth round, there is no denying their worth as elite football players.

It is nice that Mebane is trying to ignite some confidence into a franchise that's coming off a 4-12 season, but it does not mean his argument holds a lot of merit.

All statistics are courtesy of ESPN.com.