Donald Butler: Proof of Good Scouting

In 2010, San Diego drafted linebacker Donald Butler 79th overall in the third round out of the University of Washington. Butler was injured early in his rookie year, not even dressing for a preseason game. Yet what a difference a year makes. Butler finished the season with 102 tackles, second on the team. He was also the only defensive player to record a sack, an interception, a fumble recovery, forced fumble, and defensive touchdown. Butler has shown that he can produce at a high level.  i expect Butler to get a nod to the Pro-Bowl sometime soon. He should continue to improve. While he was the second pick for the Chargers that year, it should be noted that the 2010 class produced at a high level as a whole. Cam Thomas recorded the most sacks by a defensive lineman this season, Ryan Matthews reached the Pro-Bowl (as an injury replacement), and Darrell Stuckey emerged as a star on special teams, performing well enough to earn a shot at starting at strong safety. I can't believe that I am saying this, but maybe some of the head scratching picks A.J. made last season may just pan out. Scouting is where it all starts. Without it, no team can succeed.