South Carolina DT taken in fifth round of NFL Draft by Los Angeles Chargers
In a bit of a draft-day surprise, the second South Carolina Gamecock selected in the NFL Draft wasn’t DB Jalon Kilgore.
After Gamecock DBs Brandon Cisse (second round, Green Bay Packers) was selected earlier in the draft, Nick Barrett became the latest USC alum to hear his name called.
The Los Angeles Chargers used the 145th overall pick (fifth round) on the South Carolina defensive tackle.
In the new age of college athletics where it’s not uncommon for guys to transfer two or three times, Barrett was a rarity. The 6-foot-3, 327-pound North Carolina native spent all five years of his college career at USC.
After redshirting in 2024 — a strategic decision given the talent South Carolina had at defensive tackle ahead of Barrett — he emerged as a starter and team captain in 2025.
“He’s seen a lot, and it’s his time,” DL coach Travian Robertson said of Barrett ahead of the season. “He’s hungry. He’s been waiting. He’s changed his body, he’s changed his mindset. It’s great to have Nick back.”
After averaging fewer than 20 snaps a game in both 2023 and 2024, Barrett logged over 42 snaps a game last year, becoming the Gamecocks’ most trusted and productive defensive tackle.
As a redshirt senior last season, Barrett tallied 42 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. On top of those stats, Barrett was Pro Football Focus’ top-graded South Carolina defender last year — a dominant showing that pushed him into an NFL draftee.
“Barrett lacks sudden twitch in his movements,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his NFL Draft guide, “but his motor has a full tank, and he uses his length and power to stay detached from blocks.”
“Barrett is stout in stopping the run and shows promise with his pass-rush effort,” Brugler continued. “His quickness and upper-body flexibility suggest he can be more than just a block-eater.”
This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 2:23 PM with the headline "South Carolina DT taken in fifth round of NFL Draft by Los Angeles Chargers."
