Chargers Bolster EDGE Room With Two New Former Top Draftees

The first EDGE rusher the Chargers announced was the signing of former top-5 selection Clelin Ferrell. While Ferrell never lived up to the billing of a top-5 pick, he, at the very least, became a serviceable pass rusher who has a strong knack for stopping the run. The Chargers obviously love bigger-body EDGES who can stop the run, and Ferrell will be there to do just that. Expect Ferrell to be the first of the two new EDGE rushers in the rotation, as his draft billing and general play over the years are more than enough for Ferrell to play meaningful snaps for the Bolts with Khalil Mack’s injury. The 6’4 265lbs now-Chargers EDGE rusher graded out quite average last season during his time with the Commanders, having an overall grade of 58.5, a pass rush grade of 60.1, and a run defense grade of 63.8. It could be a lot worse for someone who was still available in Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season. It will be interesting to see how Ferrell performs under Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter and his associated staff.

Rashad Weaver – Former Top 150 Selection

While being selected in the top 150 of the NFL draft is, by most accounts, not a “top selection,” it is still more than noteworthy and shows a team is willing to invest valuable capital into a guy who they believe can become a helpful asset to their team. Newest Chargers EDGE, Rashad Weaver, perfectly fits this bill, being a fourth-round selection (135th overall) in 2021. The Titans were excited to see what they could get from the Pittsburgh product.

Weaver ended up being an intriguing asset during his tenure in Tennessee, as he performed well on Special Teams (65.4 average PFF grade during his Titans career) and also was a pass rusher who flashed potential during his 2022 season. In the 2022 season, he had 5.5 sacks, paying off the Titans for the investment they made in him.

The main reasons for the Titans to move off of Weaver was inconsistency in his play, lack of ability to set the EDGE, and minor personality disagreements Weaver had with the coaching staff. Weaver has now been on three teams since, and is now going to his fourth with the Chargers, joining their EDGE room.

The Chargers are desperate to find someone to help replace Khalil Mack after his injury, and if there is anyone who can get the most out of a former top 150 selection, it is Coach Minter.