Former Georgia Tech All-American Jeremiah Attaochu is headed for San Diego.
The Chargers selected Attaochu with the 18th pick of the second round Friday night, the 50th overall. To ensure they got Tech’s all-time leading sacker, the Chargers moved up seven spots from No. 57 by swapping picks and giving Miami a fourth-round pick.
“We just felt we had to go get him,” San Diego general manager Tom Telesco told reporters in San Diego.
Attaochu celebrated the moment at a restaurant in Hyattsville, Md., with family and friends.
“He was jumping up and shouting, ‘Let’s go to San Diego!’” Attaochu’s father Paul reported.
San Diego would seem an ideal fit for Attaochu, as the Chargers play out of a base 3-4 but also shift to a 4-3 on third downs. Attaochu played his first 2 ½ seasons as a 3-4 outside linebacker for former defensive coordinator Al Groh but then moved to defensive end in a 4-3 with the hire of coordinator Ted Roof.
“I fit this system very well,” Attaochu told the Chargers’ website Friday night shortly after his selection.
He was the fifth linebacker chosen and the first player from a Georgia school. He is also the first defensive player recruited by coach Paul Johnosn to be drafted.
Last year’s 50th overall pick was paid quite handsomely. Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Bostic received a signing bonus of $1.246 million and a four-year contract worth up to $3.9 million.
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