San Diego Chargers Sign 3 Draft Picks

The San Diego Chargers have offically signed three of their draft picks to contracts. Melvin Ingram is joined by second round pick Kendall Reyes and seventh rounder David Molk, both of whom also signed. Ingram was the 1st round pick of the Chargers. He played defensive end while at South Carolina and is expected to be a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker for the Chargers. Reyes has the size to move inside in nickel formations but will primarily be a rotational defensive end this year for the team. Both of these two should make an immediate impact for the Chargers on defense. Reyes signed a 4 year contract while Ingram signed a 4 year deal with an optional 5th year.

Molk, who was an All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines also signed a 4 year deal. This still leaves Johnnie Troutman, Brandon Taylor, Ladarius Green, and Edwin Baker unsigned. The team will hold a rookie only mini camp from May 11-13.

Grading the San Diego Chargers Draft

With the draft officially wrapped up, it is time to take a look at just how well the Chargers did. This will include both an overall ranking and a ranking for each pick.

Round 1, Pick 18: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina (B+)

I am really not sure about this pick. If he is as talented as everyone says he is, then great for the Chargers. My biggest concern is how he handles the transition to OLB. I know that he has played it some in the past, but he is used to playing with his hand in the dirt. I hope that his cover skills are decent, because I really don't want to see a first round pick used on a situational pass rusher. That being said, I do believe that he can contribute to the pass rush. I would like to see him get in and make a difference. We will just have to wait and see how he does. The only thing that is certain is that there is going to be some serious pressure on him to contribute from day one, especially considering the way he fell on draft day.

Round 2, Pick 49: Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, Connecticut (A)

Reyes flew under the radar a bit, but he has serious potential. Any time a team can grab a versatile lineman like Reyes, it is a good thing. He has the size to move in and play DT in a pinch or in nickel schemes, but projects as a defensive end. With Cesaire and Castillo both aging or coming off injury, Reyes should be a factor for the Chargers as a rotational player who eventually starts opposite Corey Liuget. He didn't record a high number of sacks in college, but that isn't that important in a 3-4 scheme. He has the ability to handle double teams but also possesses the agility to split the double teams.

Round 3, Pick 73: Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU (B)

This was an area that the Chargers needed to address and they did. Taylor needs to develop his coverage skills, but he does bring a physical presence to the defense and the position. He was the quarterback of LSU's defense. This wasn't a very deep class at safety, so we will see how this pick pans out. There isn't a huge amount of pressure for him to be effective from day one, especially with Atari Bigby already on the team. It will be interesting to see what the team plans to do with Stuckey now that they have Taylor and Bigby.

Chargers Fans, Say Hello to Ladarius Green

With the 110th pick of the NFL, the San Diego Chargers have selected La. Lafayette tight end Ladarius Green. Green has a big 82 inch wingspan and rarely drops passes. At a lanky 6' 6'', 236 pounds, Green can become a hybrid type tight end who can line up both on the line and outside. He clocked in at a 4.53 in  the 40 yard dash, so he has speed to matter, even more than some of the wide receivers. Green should make Rivers happy with his ability to go up and get the jump ball. With time to learn from Antonio Gates, Green could develop into a dangerous weapon for the Chargers. Green is a quality addition to the Chargers who can learn from one of the best, contribute immediately, and eventually become a starter.