Why the Chargers selected Alabama DT Justin Eboigbe

The Ozzie Newsome student in Joe Hortiz went back to the Alabama well to select a new defensive lineman who produced in spades in 2023.

With the 105th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected Alabama defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe. While the Chargers have a number of bodies along the interior, they still don’t have many that would be considered adequate run-stoppers which is where the value of Eboigbe comes into play.

Even after signing veteran Poona Ford earlier this offseason, Joe Hortiz couldn’t help himself by selecting an Alabama player in Eboigbe. Former Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, whom Hortiz worked with for a number of years in Baltimore, loved his prospects from the Crimson Tide.

Eboigbe is a 6’4, 298-pounder who played all across the defensive front for Alabama. Didn’t matter if he was head up on the center or outside the tackle, he found a way to get into the backfield and cause havoc. He’s at his best when diagnosing run plays and shoving blockers into the backfield. While not overly athletic (5.18 40 time), Eboigbe still managed to record seven sacks which is a great number for an interior player. His 11 tackles for loss were also ideal as he earned First-Team All-SEC honors.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has a third-round grade on him while his co-worker, Lance Zierlein had a fifth to sixth-round grade.

After helping the Crimson Tide to the CFP Playoff, Eboigbe was invited to compete at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He impressed scouts with a number of wins during 1-on-1s with offensive linemen where he executed a well-thought out pass-rush plan. His two-hand swipe was reportedly unstoppable at times.

When it comes down to it, Eboigbe is a low-ceiling, high-floor player with an elite pedigree playing for Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. He’ll give you great consistency play-in and play-out with a high motor that doesn’t seem to run out.

Eboigbe has a good chance of coming in and starting immediately for the Chargers who do not currently have many solidified starters, if at all, up front. He’ll battle with last year’s sixth-round pick Scott Matlock for one of the team’s starting spots bookending whoever ends up starting at the nose.