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Why Landing Uchenna Nwosu was "Like Christmas" for Gus Bradley

You can excuse Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley for his ear-to-ear grin.

As if it wasn't enough to land Derwin James on Thursday, the Chargers were also able to land one of the top linebackers in the draft on Day Two when they took USC star Uchenna Nwosu with the 48th overall pick.

"It's like Christmas," Bradley said with a hearty laugh.  "We've got someone coming into our organization that's new with a whole lot of skills we can really utilize.  Our scouting staff and Tom (Telesco) did a great job recognizing his skillset and what he can bring to us.  Through the workout, watching him move and how he operates, butting all those things together makes him a great fit for us."

It doesn't take a genius to see why the Bolts' defensive coordinator is thrilled to add the 6-3, 251-pound local product who grew up in Carson and played at USC.  He authored a noteworthy career during his time with the Trojans, particularly his senior season a year ago in which he notched 75 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 14 passes defensed and 9.5 sacks.

Strong at setting the edge against the run while also able of getting to the quarterback in a flash, Bradley explained how Nwosu popped every time he turned on the film. Thus, it didn't take long for the defensive coordinator to know where his newest weapon will fit in on defense.

"He's an OTTO for us," Bradley explained. "In our sub packages he can be an extra edge rusher for us, and also on first and second down in our base package has the ability to be an outside linebacker type for us that can set the edge, rush and play behind the ball."

Adding Nwosu immediately after James also increases the physical nature of the entire team in a flash. In fact, the USC product's physicality is what was particularly attractive to the Bolts.

"He's a very physical player," he said.  "He can set the edge and rush the passer, and you can never have enough guys like that. Both (Nwosu and James) are physical players, and they show that on tape.  But they are also athletic with a passion for the game.  They love football.  They bring a certain mentality to our group."

Bradley also stressed how Nwosu will provide an instant boost in more ways than on defense.

"As a special teams player, George (Stewart) has got to be ecstatic.  He will bring a great mentality to that group. He was a great pick for us in a lot of ways."

Take a look through the top photos of the Bolts' second-round pick, LB Uchenna Nwosu of USC.


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