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The San Diego Chargers released veteran inside linebacker Takeo Spikes last month, which left a hole at the position, and this could be addressed in April’s NFL Draft.
According to Michael Gehlken of ustandiego.com, “The Chargers are among those do their homework. Linebackers coach Joe Berry met Kiko Alonso at the combine. Earlier this month, Alonso visited the facility.”
Gehlken continued by saying “The Chargers are expected to entertain the option of investing a draft pick at this position.”
Alonso spent his collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks and was named to a Second Team All-Pac 12 last season. Alonso had 81 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and was effective in passing situations as well because he had six pass deflections and four interceptions.
According to CBS Sports, Alonso ranks 84th among prospects and San Diego has the 14th pick in round three which would be the 78th overall pick, so they would not be taking him too far ahead of his projection.
Former 2011 second round pick Jonas Mouton along with Bront Bird are the current options for San Diego at ILB. Mouton missed the 2011 season with an injury and appeared in three games last season while the undrafted Bird appeared in 14 games over two seasons.
Alonso was arrested twice, which included a DUI that led to him being suspended for the 2010 NCAA season, but his arrests happened in the past and holding this against someone for his or her future could be a mistake.
Alonso, Bird and Mouton will be 23, 24 and 25 years old when the 2013 NFL season begins, so San Diego could have their ILB for the future in one of these three men. The lack of depth at ILB needs to be addressed in the draft because San Diego’s front office does not have much money to spend on a free agent.
