The Top 5 Unaddressed Positions of Need in the AFC

San Diego Chargers, Nose Tackle

One of the keys to a 3-4 defensive scheme working properly is a gap-plugging, strong-bodied nose tackle. The 3-4 nose tackle often sets the point of attack by controlling both A gaps (to either side of the center), and essentially provides the immovable object in the middle that anchors the rest of the defense's push. One of the best in the game at this type of controlling play is Houston's Vince Wilfork, who absolutely destroyed opposing run games with the New England Patriots just by sitting down in the trench and holding fast. Needless to say, the 6-foot-3, 303 pound Sean Lissemore is not quite the space-eating nose that the Chargers need in order to be stout against the rush. Over the past two seasons, the Chargers have ranked 31st and just 15th in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP. While we can't chalk this up to one player, Lissemore has gotten knocked off the ball by opposing lines far too often.

The Chargers did sign former Broncos backup defensive tackle Mitch Unrein to contribute here in the middle, but Unrein has been an average player at best throughout his career and also does not have the bulk to hold up against the heavy run games consistently. Their only other attempt to address their need was their 6th round Draft selection of Arkansas defensive tackle Darius Philon, but Philon projects more to be a defensive end in this scheme than the tone-setting nose.