Round 1 - OLB Melvin Ingram
Round 2 - DE/DT Kendall Reyes
Round 3 - S Brandon Taylor
Round 4 - TE Ladarius Green
Round 5 - OG Johnnie Troutman
Round 7 - C David Molk
- RB Edwin Baker
With both Norv Turner and A.J. Smith on the hot seat, the Chargers absolutely must make the playoffs this year. To achieve this goal, they needed to sign impact players in free agency and draft pro-ready rookies. Identifying the defense as their weakness, San Diego drafted three defensive players with their first three picks. If these players can improve the play of the defense, San Diego should return to the playoffs.
Shaun Phillips provided the only significant pass rushing presence on that defense last year. To remedy the problem, they added two other outside linebackers in Jarrett Johnson and Melvin Ingram. Johnson's pass rushing abilities are limited, but Ingram will hopefully wreak havoc across from Phillips. With amazing quickness for a man his size, he displays quite a few moves on his way to the quarterback as well. He also shows patience in the run game and will move down the line to tackle the runner. His violent hands enable him to shed blocks and make plays. The only question is whether he will struggle while playing on his feet, as he played as a down lineman at South Carolina.
In the second round, they took another defensive player, this time on the defensive line. While still needing refinement with his technique, Kendall Reyes shows the ability to hold up against the run and get after the passer, to some extent. However, getting lower when penetrating the backfield will only improve his overall effectiveness. In San Diego's deep defensive line, he might have a hard time coming by playing time though.
An all-round talent, Brandon Taylor can both run downhill to tackle the ball carrier and provide coverage against receivers. He plays physically against both the pass and the run. At LSU, he played in the tough SEC, which will help him in transitioning to the NFL. Desperately in need of another safety to pair with Eric Weddle, Taylor remained one of the last viable starters on the board.
Hurting for a talented tight end to back up and eventually replace Antonio Gates, the Chargers took their shot on the raw Ladarius Green in the fourth round. Although leaving something to be desired when attempting to block, his receiving skills made him a coveted player. His size, leaping ability, and athleticism will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares. Nevertheless, Green isn't sudden in his breaks or great after the catch. He was injury-prone in college, something that usually doesn't go away in the NFL.
A naturally strong lineman, Troutman shows that he can do well when asked to run block; however, in pass protection he struggles. Surprisingly, the Chargers drafted him despite the fact that he will likely miss his rookie season due to injuries. He will likely provide depth at right guard, as that position requires less skill at pass protecting.
Despite being seen as one of the best centers in college football, a lack of measurables hurt David Molk's draft status. With the all-important intangibles and mental adroitness required of a center, Molk should make an excellent backup, if not starter. Although an overachiever, he shows good mobility and explosion off the ball. Nevertheless, he can be overwhelmed by bull rushes from powerful defensive tackles. This necessitates his being aided by a guard in most situations. Many centers require that extra help though. Molk should easily exceed expectations after being drafted so late.
After losing his starting job in 2011, Edwin Baker's draft stock took a tumble. A compact runner, he can run through arm tackles and gain yards after contact. However, he gets stuffed at the line of scrimmage too often. If he can return to 2010 form, they might have something, but that is unlikely.
This draft saw the improvement of all three levels of the defense. That will prove critical in their reaching the playoffs. In addition, the Chargers brought in reinforcements on offense, with Green and Molk as their best picks on that side of the ball. The question will be whether the defense can limit scoring and if the offensive line can give Philip Rivers enough time to get the ball to his new targets.
No comments:
Post a Comment