The Chargers addressed another glaring need with the No. 102 overall pick in the draft, picking Ohio State LB Joshua Perry. It was the second Buckeye selected by San Diego in the first four rounds, joining No. 3 overall pick Joey Bosa.
Said Bosa of Perry: “[He’s an] incredible leader. He did everything right. He’s literally the perfect guy you want on your team and in your locker room.”
Tom Telesco needed to find inside linebacker help after parting ways with veterans Donald Butler, Kavell Conner and Joe Mays earlier this offseason. Perry steps right in as the top backup behind Denzel Perryman and Manti Te’o.
Perry comes off a monster senior season in which he racked up 105 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He has the size (6’4”, 254 lbs), power and aggression to shut down running lanes, as well as the speed to be an effective blitzer in passing situations.
Perry is also a renowned leader and tireless worker, two attributes that endeared him to Chargers scouts. His ability to make an immediate impact on special teams also played a role in his selection.
This is the second time in four years Telesco has drafted a pair of teammates from the same school. In 2013, he picked Cal teammates Keenan Allen and Steve Williams in the third and fifth round, respectively, choices that have panned out pretty darn well to date.
The expectations for Bosa and Perry will be even loftier.
