As a mid to late-round NFL Draft selection, it can be difficult to make an impact immediately in the NFL.
Such as the case for former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Seeing limited time in his rookie year, he enters year two with the hopes to make an impact on one of the best defenses in the league.
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter speaks on Chargers Weekly about Eboigbe’s development and how he views the process for young players entering the league.
Minter says that the young lineman gained 20+ pounds since the end of last season, and has trained excessively with Chargers strength coach Ben Herbert.
Mar 20, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe runs a drill at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility during the University of Alabama’s Pro Day.Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Chargers star coordinator has proven his ability to make the best of his players, as he transformed an arguably worse defensive group in 2024 compared to 2023 into one of the best in the league.
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In 2023, prior to Minter’s arrival, the Chargers defense ranked No. 24 in points allowed. His first year in 2024, they were No. 1 in the league.
Should Eboigbe continue to develop well, Minter will find a way to use him to benefit the Chargers greatly. Last season, he only appeared in five games with two total tackles, and is looking for a bigger impact in year two.
The Chargers are coming off an offensive minded 2025 NFL Draft to give their Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert some weapons, in hopes to get them over the hump in the playoffs next season.
As for the defense, Minter will potentially be able to find a bigger role for Eboigbe, and continue to be one of the more dominating defenses in football in 2025.