Chargers’ Forrest Merrill could grab last defensive tackle spot
The Chargers have had a great amount of success when it comes to bringing in hidden gems that went undrafted, which includes tight end Antonio Gates and running back Austin Ekeler, among others.
Who could be the undrafted rookie that steals the show this year? Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox revealed his top UDFAs for each team and for Los Angeles, he listed defensive tackle Forrest Merrill.
Merrill is purely a down lineman who isn’t going to provide much as an edge-defender. However, he still has the goods to contribute quickly as an early-down run-defender and rotational player alongside defensive tackles like Linval Joseph, Christian Covington, Jerry Tillery and Justin Jones. Look for the Chargers to give Merrill a legitimate shot at a roster spot and then stash him on the practice squad if he doesn’t pass final cuts.
The Chargers’ starting defensive line consists of Justin Jones, Jerry Tillery and Linval Joseph, with Christian Covington set to serve as a backup. Behind those four, the depth at the position is thin, which means Merrill has the opportunity to secure a spot.
Battling Breiden Fehoko and Cortez Broughton, Merrill is an effective one gap penetrator who uses his explosiveness, strength and active hands to slip through tight areas and be disruptive. In addition, he is able to occupy double teams at a high level.
Over the course of his career at Arkansas State, Merrill amassed 106 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles.
Typically, experience favors the youth, but given the fact that the new coaching staff brought in Merrill, that alone gives him a slight advantage heading into camp. Should he make the 53-man roster, Merrill would serve as a backup to Linval Joseph.
Arkansas State nose Forrest Merrill is #MadeForTheMess inside pic.twitter.com/x6qLmNJt3D
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) March 1, 2021
