Brandon McKinney and Ryon Bingham

Brandon McKinney #91 DT-DE and Ryon Bingham #97 DE-DT are the key backups to Jamal Williams at Nose Tackle.

From Chargers.com:

"Brandon McKinney’s size, strength and versatility make him a valuable part of the Chargers’ defensive line. Last year in 2007, McKinney’s second professional season, he saw time at both nose tackle and defensive end. When Pro Bowl nose tackle Jamal Williams was bothered by injuries late in the season, McKinney stepped up his game. He posted a career-high six tackles in Dec. 9 win at Tennessee and had three stops in each of the Bolts’ last three regular-season contests."

"Ryon Bingham had a breakout year in 2007, proving how well he could play when his number was called. Bingham racked up a career-high 58 tackles, played in every game and even made his first two starts. The team rewarded him for his play last December with a three-year contract extension that will keep him a Charger through the 2010 season."

The versatile and talented Bingham can play both DE and DT as McKinney does but McKinney looks to be the more natural at the Nose Tackle than Bingham. I believe that the Chargers have two young talented DT/DE's and are very fortunate to have them. Because both could be starters on many other teams in the NFL this year.