Chargers could easily splurge on an off-ball linebacker in the 2027 NFL Draft<\/p>\n
Off-ball linebacker typically isn’t considered to be among the premium positions, especially when it comes to first-round draft capital. Given the Chargers’ needs and where they’re likely to select in the first round, however, Villiamu-Asa could be more than worth it.<\/p>\n
He played in just 11 games last season before suffering a torn ACL. But he was highly productive in the early portions of the campaign, totaling 48 combined tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He also has the versatility to play all over the field when needed. He’s athletic and physical enough to use as a run-fitter, but he also has enough burst and agility to operate in the blitz or in pass coverage.<\/p>\n
If he returns to full health by the start of Notre Dame’s season, he should get plenty of opportunity to continue to raise his draft stock in 2026.<\/p>\n
The Chargers are likely to re-sign Henley. But pairing someone like Villiamu-Asa with Henley would give the Chargers two incredibly versatile chess pieces in the middle of their defense.<\/p>\n
The landscape of Los Angeles’ inside linebacker room could certainly shift in 2026<\/a>. Junior Colson missed all of 2025 with a shoulder injury, and there’s room for players like Marlowe Wax and Del’Shawn Phillips to step into bigger roles. But unless one of these players surprisingly emerges as a star contributor, it’s not likely this need will be erased.<\/p>\n Villiamu-Asa, therefore, is certainly a prospect to keep an eye on even this far out in the draft cycle.<\/p>\n
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