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.

Rounds 5-7 Reactions for the San Diego Chargers

With the draft finally wrapping up, here is a look at the Chargers draft picks from rounds 5-7.

5th Round, Pick 149: Johnnie Troutman, G, Penn State

Troutman is a big guard from Penn State who plays strong. I will say that he was ranked lower than several available guards according to several evaluators. Still, he seems to fit the mold of what the Chargers want in a lineman. I don't see him being a serious challenger for the LG spot, but he should provide some extra pressure.

7th Round, Pick 226: David Molk, C, Michigan

Molk is another classic Big Ten lineman who should add quality depth to the Chargers offensive line. Brady Hoke changed the culture at Michigan, bringing a tough and physical nature back to the program. Molk is an intelligent lineman who has great footwork. He doesn't have the best physical abilities, but you don't win the Rimington Award for no reason. The Chargers may have struck gold in the 7th round.

7th Round, Pick 250: Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State

Just when the draft was set to end, the San Diego Chargers addressed one of their biggest remaining needs. Edwin Baker has been a productive back for the Michigan State Spartans. Baker isn't a flashy runner, but he is a good threat coming out of the backfield and is already a good pass blocker. Baker should find his way onto the field on third down and maybe on special teams.

All in all, the third day of the 2012 NFL Draft seems like a successful day for the Chargers. They added key depth on the offensive line and the backfield.

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.

Day 3 Starts Now

The 3rd day of the 2012 NFL Draft is underway. This day can make a team's season spectacular. This is the time to find gems late, think Tom Brady in the 6th round. San Diego still needs some pieces and could really use some quality depth. Injuries have decimated this team the last 2 seasons. This is where a team really develops the back half of their roster and finds project players. I look for the Chargers to add a running back, maybe a Robert Turbin type back. Adding some more depth a cornerback and on the offensive line. The Chargers, barring trades, have a pick in both the 4th and 5th rounds and two picks in the 7th. They traded their 6th round pick to the Miami Dolphins to move up from 78th to 73rd in the 3rd round. Stay tuned for reviews of each new Charger.

San Diego Adds LSU Safety Brandon Taylor

The San Diego Chargers have traded up to the 73rd pick to take LSU safety Brandon Taylor. Taylor had 71 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions for the Tigers last year. Taylor will bring a physical nature to the position and is an intelligent player. Bigby was brought in to be a short term solution. Taylor slipped down some boards and should be a good investment for the Chargers.  The Chargers swapped third round picks with the Dolphins to move up from 78th and also packaged a 6th rounder (183rd).

San Diego Chargers Select Kendall Reyes 49th Overall

The San Diego Chargers have selected Connecticut DT/DE Kendall Reyes. Reyes was a team captain for the Huskies. The Chargers will play him at DE. Expect him to rotate in with last years first round pick Corey Liuget and to eventually take the place of either Jacques Cesaire or Luis Castillo. People have wondered about his consistency at times, but he should be a good addition to the team. With Cesaire, Castillo, Garay, Martin, Liuget, and Thomas, the Chargers may just have a great defensive line. Reyes didn't put up a ton of sacks, but that isn't a huge deal for a 3-4 end. He has enough flash to split the double team and has great strength to bull rush his opponent. All in all, a very solid pick.

What Do the Chargers Do Now?

Since the Chargers at least feel like they got their pass rusher in Melvin Ingram at 18th overall last night, we now have to wonder what route the Chargers are going to take. Will it be a guard to compete for the LG spot, another pass rusher, or someone for the secondary? It is possible that a player like Amaini Silatolu or Zach Brown may fall to them or they may trade. At any rate, tune in tonight for the second and third rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft. A.J. and company should at least make it interesting.