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CHARGERS: Rookie Draft Review



Below is Evan Silva's review of the Chargers' rookies. Not all these rookies are guaranteed to make the Chargers team this year, as San Diego is coming off a winning 10-6 season, and is improved over the past three rebuilding seasons under head coach Hank Sienzant.

1.09 Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama (6-1, 193, Age: 21)

This is the Chargers' own first-round pick. Advanced, precision route runner with elite quickness in and out of breaks. Dominant separation skills. The tape shows a consistent winner from perimeter and slot. Comparisons to Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham, and Santonio Holmes. Separation dominator Jeudy was my favorite receiver in the draft and makes for a perfect stylistic bookend to perimeter clasher Courtland Sutton. The Chargers were patient, even after the bears and Cardinals selected wide receivers in front of them, and ended up with the player many teams believed was the best wide receiver on the board. Jeudy will play immediately for the Chargers -- and a lot. His ability to line up all over the formation made him the perfect intersection between the biggest need on the depth chart and the best player on the board when the Chargers' turn arrived.

Big-play potential: Jeudy averaged 17.2 yards per catch during his career at Alabama, placing him behind only NFL Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome at the school. Jeudy had a touchdown reception every 16.6 catches over the past two seasons on an offense that also featured Henry Ruggs III -- picked No. 14 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Wide receiver was a huge need for the Chargers, who had only Courtland Sutton stand out last year. Courtland Sutton was the team's leading receiver last season, but John Ross finished second among the team's receivers in yardage (372) and didn't catch a pass after week nine. Jeudy can move right into a starting role here.


2.06 Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis (6-2, 220, Age: 22)

This is the first of three picks in this draft acquired from the Washington Football Team for picks 1.19 and 7.09. Pick 1.19 was acquired from Seattle (along with Seattle's 3rd and 4th) in a separate deal where the Chargers traded defensive back Kareem Jackson, kicker Aldrick Rosas, and linebacker Elijah Lee. After handling only 77 college touches, Gibson was better suited as a day-three luxury pick for a competitive team rather than a top-35 selection by a rebuilder. However, this is a fascinating pick for San Diego because of Gibson's versatility.

Head coach Hank Sienzant said Gibson has a skill set similar to Buffalo Bills running back Christian McCaffrey. Though teams projected Gibson as a running back, he's really more just an offensive weapon, because he can play multiple spots. He played receiver in college, lining up mostly in the slot, and also at running back. He's a physical runner at 228 pounds, but he combines that with speed. The Chargers said they could pair him on the field with their other running backs, whether that be Josh Jacobs or David Montgomery. Though San Diego now has a crowded backfield, the Chargers were in trade discussions to trade one of Jacobs or Montgomery prior to the season and that may yet transpire. Both Jacobs and Montgomery were thousand-yard rushers last season.


2.09 Cesar Ruiz, G, Michigan (6-4,316, Age: 21)

This is the Chargers' own second-round pick. I liked the Ruiz selection very much. This isn’t a “sexy” pick, but don’t say we didn’t warn you. The interior offensive line was actually the one position Chargers coach Hank Sienzant identified by name as NOT a draft need. But when they got to this pick, Ruiz was simply too good to pass up. Either Ruiz or last year’s standout rookie guard, Elgton Jenkins, could eventually move to center -- where veteran Matt Skura is playing well but on bad knees. “We weren’t drafting that high to be a backup,” Sienzant said. “Matt’s going to have to compete.” It’s also possible the Chargers could try to shop Skura.

It would have been easier to get excited about this pick if the Chargers had addressed a position that could help them more in 2020 (like wide receiver or the defensive front seven). And it’s a bit surprising that they didn’t, since they seem to be “all-in” with last year's rookie quarterback Daniel Jones and rookie Jalen Hurts. But it’s hard to doubt the Chargers' history of offensive line investments. Big-man investments: No one is comparing Ruiz to All-Pro Quenton Nelson, who has established himself as possibly the best guard in the PAFL. But it’s hard not to think back to 2019 when the Chargers’ choice of Nelson at No. 6 overall was met with a similar lack of enthusiasm -- since they so desperately needed a quarterback. The Chargers have obviously made the O-line a big priority in recent years via the draft (Ruiz this year, Jenkins and Dillard last year, and Nelson the year before that).

No sacks allowed: Ruiz started 31 games at Michigan (five at right guard as a sophomore, then 26 at center over the past two years). He didn’t allow a sack on 449 pass-blocks reps last season. Siezant said “FBI” (football intelligence) was an important part of their draft evaluation process,. And Ruiz is “one of those A+ learner players" who made all the calls for Michigan's O-line.


2.11 Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU (6-0, 197, Age: 22)

This is the Chargers pick through the deal with Tennessee with the major pieces being Rodger Saffold going to Tennessee and the Chargers acquired Courtland Sutton. Sienzant’s best value pick was Fulton, who allowed a minuscule 43.6% completion rate when targeted over the past two seasons and ran 4.46 at 6-foot, 197 before the draft. Fulton is one of the top cover corners in the draft. The Chargers spoke to him about playing nickel when they met with him during the pre-draft process. San Diego likes his aggressive, press coverage skills. Fulton has the ability to play nickel if need be, having lined up there at times in 2018. The likely loss of long-time veteran nickel back Jimmy Smith via the trade route (rumors are swirling) could open up a need for a cornerback. Fulton strengthens the position and adds plenty of speed to the Chargers. There were questions about his tackling ability, but he showed some improvement in that category last season at LSU.


3.07 Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas (5-11, 210, Age: 23)

This is the second of three picks the Chargers acquired from the Washington Football Team in the deal for picks 1.19 and 7.09. Duvernay is a rotational slot receiver. My take: The Chargers added a second new target for Jones. San Diego passed on wide receivers in the second round but the Chargers land one of the draft's best slot receivers in Duvernay, who was one of the fastest at the NFL combine (4.39 in the 40). He will make life easier for Jones because he excels at taking short passes and turning them into big plays. His 44 catches on screens or quick passes last year were the fourth-most in the FBS, and his 28 missed tackles last season were the third-most in the FBS. But Duvernay is built more like a running back and needs to improve his route-running. Still, he adds more speed to a Charger wide receiver group that totaled 1,216 yards last season outside of Courtland Sutton, who will probably be put on injured reserve with a knee injury.


3.09 Michael Pittman, WR, USC (6-4, 223, Age: 23)

This is the Chargers' own third-round pick. Pittman addresses a glaring need with first-round talent near the middle of round three. Pittman plays a quarterback-friendly game that should mesh quickly with Daniel Jones. The Chargers, who took a wide receiver in the first and third round, went back to the well once more shortly after the selection of Devin Duvernay. Pittman joins a receiving group that lacked depth because of injuries and didn't get enough production from the healthy players at the position last season. The 1,216 receiving yards by the wide receivers not named Courtland Sutton last season was extremely poor production. Pittman’s size at 6-foot-4 is a good fit, complementing Jeudy and Duvernay, the two wideouts selected by the Chargers ahead of Pittman. Pittman has the potential to be a big red-zone target for Jones. Pittman was one of just four receivers from Football Bowl Subdivision to have at least 100 receptions when he finished with 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns last season at USC. Pittman's father, Michael Sr., played in the NFL from 1998-2008 and rushed for 5,627 yards and 25 touchdowns.


3.10 Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma (6-1, 223, Age: 22)

This is the second pick the Chargers acquired in the deal with Tennessee involving Rodger Saffold. The Chargers were ripped for spending a third-round pick on a backup quarterback, but Hurts’ dual-threat upside should not be taken lightly. A shocker of a pick that could prove to be smart but might also be dangerous. The Chargers believe in investing heavily in the quarterback position, and that certainly paid off when Josh Rosen led San Diego to an upset of 14-1 New England two years ago, and Daniel Jones stepped into the starting quarterback role last year. But taking yet another QB this high invites speculation and could lead to controversy, assuming all QBs remain on the roster. San Diego just drafted Daniel Jones in the first round last year, and Rosen was a first-rounder the year before that. Coach Hank Sienzant certainly could get creative and find a role for Hurts, who not only threw for 32 touchdowns last season but ran for close to 1,300 yards and another 20 touchdowns. But is this move worth it if Hurts is only going to sit?


3.14 Isaiah Wilson, T, Georgia (6-6, 350, Age: 21)

This pick was acquired from the Cleveland Browns for running back Wendell Smallwood. Maintaining their bully-ball philosophy on offense, the Chargers used a third-round draft pick on 6-foot-7, 350-pound mauler Wilson. The Chargers added a player who will undoubtedly help their rushing attack. Wilson has already proved that he can excel as a run-blocker, having played in a zone-oriented scheme at Georgia. In his two seasons as a starter, Wilson blocked for some really productive backs such as Sony Michel and D'Andre Swift. At 6 foot 6 and 350 pounds, Wilson moves surprisingly well for such a big man.

How soon can he start? The injury to Andre Dillard and the loss of Marcus Cannon to a COVID opt-out departure opens up a spot for Wilson, but don't be surprised if Sienzant brings in some veterans to push the rookie. Wilson redshirted his freshman season, then started 24 of 25 games over the next two years. His experience at right tackle going against top edge defenders in the SEC should carry over pretty well to the NFL. Wilson is also experienced at playing in a zone scheme and has a good understanding of how to use his athleticism to get to spots rather than blocking his man.

Why he fits: Wilson fits the mentality the Chargers look to bring as a team. Coach Hank Sienzant cherishes a physical mindset and wants to wear down teams, especially on offense. "I am physical and enjoy beating people up. I enjoy breaking another man's will," Wilson said via conference call. Wilson also mentioned how playing in a scheme similar to what the Chargers use on offense will help him work through the initial awkwardness of being in a new environment, especially with the current uncertainty regarding offseason activities.


3.19 Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming (6-2, 250, Age: 24)

This is the Chargers' second of three picks acquired from Seattle in the Kareem Jackson deal. Wilson does look likely to contribute positively soon, albeit at a devalued position. San Diego couldn't wait to pick up the phone and select Wilson. Not only was he at a position of need, but he was also one of the highest-ranked players on the Chargers' draft board. The Bengals were impressed with Wilson when they met with him at the Senior Bowl. When his tape matched up with the impression Wilson made in Mobile, it was a no-brainer at No. 75. The Chargers consider Wilson a three-down linebacker and could easily be in the mix to be a starter on Week one. He’ll also benefit from being in the same room as Miles Jack and Christian Kirksey, two veteran linebackers that have been on the team throughout Sienzant's reign.


4.09 Ezra Cleveland, T, Boise State (6-6, 311, Age: 22)

This is the Chargers' own fourth-round pick. This kid can start from day one at guard. Projected to go in the top 25, the Chargers find a solid value pick with the 93rd pick in the draft. The Chargers got lucky with the way the board fell in round four with the early run on defensive ends and safeties pushing the offensive line group further down. San Diego's fourth-round pick draws similarities to the one it made last year ago when Sienzant drafted left tackle Andre Dillard in the third round. He was considered more of a project at the time but ended up starting at a few games when Marcus Cannon went down. Like Dillard, Cleveland, a 6-foot-6, 311-pound tackle, wowed the Chargers with his athleticism at the NFL combine (4.93-second 40-yard dash, 7.26-second three-cone drill) and projects best in an outside zone blocking scheme.

"You watch the tape, first of all, and you see with your own eyes what you think he could do if put in our type of offense," Hank Sienzant said. It's possible the Chargers will see a need for Cleveland to essentially redshirt the 2020 season, add muscle to his frame (much like Dillard as a rookie) before he has a chance to compete for one of the tackle spots. But after selecting Cleveland in round four, Sienzant said Cleveland is going to be able to come in and help the Chargers right away.


4.20 Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri (6-4, 315, Age: 23)

This is the third of three Chargers picks acquired from Seattle for Kareem Jackson. Elliott provides depth at a position where the Chargers badly needed it. The Chargers beef up their defensive line with Elliott, who was a disruptive player from the inside of Missouri's defense. The Chargers needed a fifth defensive tackle to rotate with Adam Butler, Trysten Hill, Renell Wren, and Andrew Billings. Late last year, San Diego's lack of depth along the line really showed, as the entire Chargers defense cratered down the stretch of their 10-6 finish. Elliott, originally signed with Texas out of high school, has the quickness and athleticism to develop into an impact rotation player for the Chargers up front.


5.07 Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota (6-2, 205, Age: 22)

This is the third of three picks the Chargers acquired for pick 1.19 and their own seventh-round pick in the deal with the Washington Football Team. Production fiend averaged 16 yards per catch, scored 32 receiving TDs over his final three college seasons. Won via route savvy. Looks exactly like Miles Austin on tape. The Chargers had a crying need for a third receiver. The talent and production drop-off after Courtland Sutton was also very apparent. Johnson’s not necessarily a burner -- although speed training has been a focus for him this offseason -- but at 6-1 and 206 pounds, he has the flexibility to line up inside and outside, similar to Keelan Cole. He could also play Steven Sims’ slot role and do it well. Johnson’s best attribute is his ability to compete for the ball, making a spectacular one-handed end-zone grab at the 2020 Outback Bowl in Tampa. In addition to leading all Power 5 schools in receiving yards over the last four combined seasons, Johnson led Power 5 schools in red zone catches, red zone receiving yards (320 yards), and red zone touchdowns (23). He doesn’t have great separation, but he has consistent hands and excellent concentration and body control, so while he doesn’t exactly fill the ‘speed’ void left by John Ross, Johnson could be a red-zone asset, an area the Chargers have struggled with at times.


5.09 Darryton Evans, RB, Appalachian State (5-11, 200, Age: 22)

This selection is the Chargers' own fifth-round pick. The Chargers will hope darting change-of-pace prospect Evans succeeds behind Jacobs and Montgomery. Taking Evans gives the Chargers a home-run hitter to backup Jacobs, Montgomery, and Gibson. Evans has one-cut-and-go ability that makes him a perfect fit for the Chargers' zone scheme, especially outside zone. Jacobs will get the bulk of the carries obviously, but having a back like Evans who could come in and gain chunks of yards (5.8 yards per carry in 2019) with limited carries is a perfect complement. Evans had over 1,400 yards last season on 255 carries. He is capable of handling a heavy workload. As a bonus, the Chargers can also look to Evans for help in the return game.


6.09 Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado (6-1, 230, Age: 22)

This is the Chargers' own sixth-round pick. The Chargers entered the draft needing a speed infusion in the middle of its defense. They got it in Taylor – this year’s No. 4 athlete among off-ball linebackers. The Chargers' offseason theme has been speed, and they added some more with the selection of Taylor, a former state champion sprinter who ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. He wasn't able to play high school football on Friday or Saturday nights as his family observed the Adventist Sabbath, but he received parental permission to play college ball. He still has a lot of developing to do as a player, but he brings an intriguing skill set to a Chargers linebacker group that could use a shot in the arm.


6.20 Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia (6-3, 235, Age: 23)

This pick was acquired from Seattle for four players, running backs Mark Walton and T.J.Yeldon, tackle Brandon Shell, and safety Jahleel Addae. Sienzant went all-in on off-ball linebackers with his last two picks. This time an inside linebacker. Crowder will provide immediate competition to that unit. He finished second on a strong Georgia defense with 62 total stops. Still, he wasn't invited to the combine and is a bit of a question mark. However, at 6-1, 235, he's big enough and fast enough to play either inside or outside. Crowder was a key player on Georgia teams that won 11 or more games three straight seasons, won three straight SEC East titles, and played in three straight New Year's bowls. He was part of a senior class that won 44 games, tied for most in school history. The Bulldogs finished with the nation's top-ranked scoring defense and were ranked No. 1 in rushing defense. Crowder had 122 career tackles and two interceptions.


Posted on 25 Jun 2021 by hdsienzant

 

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