SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers have taken South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram with the 18th pick overall in the NFL draft.

The Chargers, who’ve missed the playoffs for two straight seasons, needed an impact player after finishing last in the league on third-down defense.

Ingram was a first-team All-American at defensive end who some had projected as being a top-10 pick.

He’s expected to play outside linebacker in the Chargers’ 3-4 scheme.

The Chargers have just one playoff win in four seasons. They loaded up on offensive players in free agency.