Chargers News: LA Officially Signs Later-Round Defensive Lineman Draft Pick

The rookie is on the board.

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Overall view of the Los Angeles Chargers bolt logo. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Chargers finally inked one of their later draft picks, former Alabama Crimson defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, the team has announced on its official site. The Bolts selected the 6-foot-4, 297-pound All-SEC First Teamer No. 105 overall in the fourth round last month's 2024 NFL Draft, a bit higher than he had been generally expected to be selected.

There are concerns about his athleticism. He also is a bit of an injury red flag, having played just four contests in 2022 before incurring a neck injury, though he was healthy enough in 2023.

He's the first Alabama pick by the Chargers since their San Diego days, circa 2013. Per WVUA 23 Sports, Eboigbe's four-year contract with the club could pay him as much as $4,859,012, though just $839,012 is guaranteed.

In 2023, the former Nick Saban charge logged 63 tackles (29 solo, 34 assisted), seven sacks, and one pass deflection for the Crimson Tide. Last year, the club finished with a 12-2 season, but fell in the Rose Bowl (now the College Football Playoff semifinal) to the MIchigan Wolverines, 27-20, in overtime.

It seems likely that Eboigbe will begin his pro career as a reserve behind veteran defensive tackle Poona Ford.

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