Tenny

Palepoi

Palepoi reportedly tested positive for Aderrall. He’ll be done for the year and suspended for Week 1 of next season, as well. Palepoi had earned a rotational role along San Diego’s defensive line, which also lost NT Brandon Mebane recently. The Chargers will host the Raiders next.

Palepoi still has one game left on a four-game suspension. He played 377 snaps last season, grading out poorly at Pro Football Focus both against the run and as a pass rusher. Palepoi will have to win a job in training camp.

Palepoi (6-foot-1 1/8, 298) made 14 starts in two seasons with the Utes after transferring from JUCO, recording 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors as a senior. Palepoi is a decent athlete (30 1/2-inch vertical, 9-foot-3 broad jump), but has short arms (30 1/2") and lacks bulk to hold up as a full-time nose. If he makes the team, he could contribute as a rotational defensive end in the Chargers’ 3-4.

A 2014 undrafted free agent out of Utah, Palepoi ended up appearing in all 16 games as a rookie, playing 282 snaps on defense. His loss significantly weakens the Bolts’ depth at defensive tackle.

Palepoi remains an early-down run stopper as he’s graded out poorly at Pro Football Focus as a pass rusher the last two seasons. He would serve as depth behind new Bills DT Star Lotulelei, who signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the team in free agency. Palepoi will turn 28 in December.