Chargers Select Michigan LB Junior Colson

The Los Angeles Chargers found another Michigan Man, this time selecting linebacker Junior Colson to fill out their defense.

The Chargers have selected linebacker Junior Colson from Michigan with the 69th pick in the NFL Draft.

True to Roman Wilson’s prediction, general manager Joe Ortiz has helped head coach Jim Harbaugh reunite with his Michigan alum, this time adding a linebacker to a back seven that sorely needs some help.

Colson ranked 51st overall on the Consensus Big Board put together by Wide Left, marking him as a bit of a steal. Already familiar with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme, Colson can immediately translate his three years of experience as the Mike linebacker at Michigan to what the Chargers will do in the NFL.

He was voted the team’s defensive MVP and won the Toughest Player Award. In his final two years at Michigan, he posted 196 total tackles, leading the team by far in the statistic. His diagnosis ability and speed give him an advantage, though he will need to clean up his game from a coverage perspective.

Even if he remains a liability in coverage, he’s well-regarded as a reliable tackler who rarely — if ever — misses. Harbaugh is already establishing the team culture of the new-look Chargers with a downhill, physical approach to player acquisition.