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.

Chargers Draft Prospects: Michael Egnew

Athletic tight ends are becoming more and more necessary in the NFL today. The Chargers are already crowded at the tight end position, but they could still bring in a rookie through the draft. With that in mind, here is the Charger Madness profile on Missouri tight end Michael Egnew.

Position: TE
Weight: 252 lbs.
Height: 6' 5''

Pros: Egnew is basically a very tall and slightly slower receiver. He has great height and length. Egnew has enough speed to really make a defense pay and can line up in the slot. Egnew has good situational awareness, always knowing where the marker is. He can adjust well to low balls and works the sideline well. Even with all of his speed and finesse, Egnew is a player who doesn't shy away from contact. He has the ability to truck smaller defenders in the secondary. He is a matchup nightmare waiting to happen if used properly.

Cons: Egnew didn't do a great job blocking while at Missouri. He is an effort blocker and most likely won't be asked to do too much blocking in the NFL. If he can improve, then all the better for him. His routes could use a bit more work, with some added crispness needed. There is the potential for him to add some mass, especially in the upper body.

Egnew is part of a new generation of tight ends that are taking the NFL by storm. Egnew was a basketball star in high school, as so many of this new breed were. He has good potential and could develop well learning from Antonio Gates. The best part is that he is grading out only in the 3rd or 4th round. He has the potential to be available later in the draft and could be a great investment.

San Diego Resigns Backup TE Randy McMichael

San Diego has brought back reserve tight end Randy McMichael. To me, this seems to be a great move. With the injury history of Antonio Gates, McMichael has seen plenty of playing time the past few seasons. San Diego also brings back a veteran who can help mentor a young tight end if the Chargers want to go that route in the draft. People often forget that McMichael was a very successful tight end for the Dolphins and Rams. Being able to learn from both him and Gates would only seem to be a benefit to a young player. McMichael was used heavily as a blocker, and with the addition of LeRon McClain, I expect San Diego to have a much improved running game.

With free agency still grinding on, most big names have been signed, with the exception of the restricted free agent market. Now the challenge is to find quality depth and value for the right price. San Diego has done a good job bringing in quality players at positions of needs and resigning the two most important pieces of the offensive line. The biggest hole that the team still has is in the backfield. With Mike Tolbert still visiting teams, San Diego very well might need to look elsewhere for a reserve running back. While a player like Green-Ellis would be great, they will command to much money. I expect the team to either find value in the later rounds of the draft and develop talent if they can't resign Tolbert.