2014 NFL Draft: Georgia Tech defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu selected by San Diego Chargers with 50th overall pick

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu (45) celebrates a tackle for a loss in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2014 NFL Draft, there was plenty of buzz surrounding Georgia Tech pass rusher Jeremiah Attaochu, and the former Yellow Jacket was considered to be a virtual lock to be a relatively high pick. In that vein, Attaochu did last through the entirety of the first day, but as expected, he didn’t have to wait very long on Friday night as the San Diego Chargers traded up to the 50th overall pick to grab him.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Attaochu had a breakout season in 2013 when he posted 12.5 sacks, but he was also helped by impressive performances throughout the combine and evaluation process. He was ranked by ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. as the 30th overall player and one of the top five pass rushers in the entire draft, and his production on the field certainly measures up to that lofty ranking.

From a fit standpoint, he seems to be a great match with the Chargers and could be used as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or a 4-3 defensive end. He should be able to have an immediate impact in San Diego.

It is always a positive thing for a university to have one of its favorite sons go off the board in the early going of the NFL Draft, but for Jeremiah Attaochu, this is certainly a night he will never forget.