2023 Official Charger Draft - Post Draft Discussion (Daily Links In OP)

[NoMoreChillies]

Keeanu Benton DI Wisconsin

Check out this rep by Keeanu.

1:53

wow. I want that D-line coach. Poor LT never knew what hit him

[Lone Bolt]

the reality is that there were Keenan comparable wideouts in last year's draft, and.... they were off the board by 17, and....

lotta peoples bagged on my hankering for George Pickens, and regardless we traded away our second round pick that coulda been the Keenan replacement that the many some of you are hankering for.

and this year peoples were panning the suggestion to go RB1 or TE2 early, and then they finally got around to watching tape on Bijan, and then Kincaid, Musgrave, Mayer and Darnell, and now they're singing a different tune.

and now peoples are shouting from the rooftops and pounding the table for a Keenan replacement WR, and.... you are just going by position and not naming names.

who is this Keenan replacement receiver that will be on the board @21, let alone anywhere in this draft ??

is there a Pro Bowl receiver in this draft ??

do think there might be a Pro Bowl OG, Pro Bowl nickelback/star in this draft.... albeit along w/Will Anderson and Jalen Carter, not sure they'll be on the board come 21.

drafting for need, let alone for want is never a good longterm strategem.... personally sure wouldn't take linemen off my board @21.... we are still building folks.... easy on the eye candy.

Fair arguements....but I think there is a Slayer in this draft, in the vein of savvy route running, always getting open, production, moving the chains....he even has a final season injury that is dropping his stock....Jaxon Smith Ngigba! Just sayin'....

[charger1_sj]

So what happens if they release both Allen and Mack? Frees up a lot of cap space and produces two holes.

It also leaves about $16M in dead cap.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Restructuring salary to bonus on players we plan to keep a few more years will provide the necessary cap space. You have several candidates in Bosa, Allen, Mack, Williams, and Jackson.

[sonorajim]

Restructuring salary to bonus on players we plan to keep a few more years will provide the necessary cap space. You have several candidates in Bosa, Allen, Mack, Williams, and Jackson.

Telesco and McGuire were aware that 2023 would follow 2022 and that the Chargers would have some juggling to do cap wise. We stay several years ahead with a rough plan. Ed is a long time vet who got that way by being good at his job. It will be interesting.

[Fouts2herbert]

Keeanu Benton DI Wisconsin

Check out this rep by Keeanu.

He did that the senior bowl practices and game, he’s a guy that can get interior pressure for sure, has some nice hand movement and knows when to turn on the power once he gets his man off balance…somebody will take him in the 1st, I’ll be surprised if he goes in the second round…

[Formula 21]

NFL All-Rookie Team: Garrett Wilson, Aidan Hutchinson and the best of the ’22 class

The Athletic NFL Staff
Jan 12, 2023

187


The lack of an obvious star quarterback tempered expectations for the 2022 NFL Draft class, but this year’s rookies wasted little time making an impact on the league. And those overlooked QBs even found a little bit of a groove, led by Mr. Irrelevant himself.

Which 2022 draft picks had the best season? Our NFL Draft experts cast their final ballots for our NFL All-Rookie Team.

(Note: An asterisk denotes a unanimous selection.) Quarterback

Brock Purdy, 49ers


Honorable mention: Kenny Pickett, Steelers; Desmond Ridder, Falcons

It was a historically below average quarterback class, but it is still surprising the top rookie passer this season was literally the final pick of the 2022 draft. Call him a “caretaker” or “game manager” or whatever, but Brock Purdy was (by far) the most efficient and reliable first-year quarterback during the regular season. He took care of the football and led all rookies in passing touchdowns with 13, six more than Kenny Pickett despite Pickett attempting 219 more passes.

Pickett fell short of expectations, but he did show promise over the final month. — Dane Brugler

Brock Purdy now has multiple TD passes in all four of his starts! @Brockpurdy13

: #SFvsLV on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AWLwvE0huJ pic.twitter.com/cTYZIxCCd1

— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2023

Running back

Dameon Pierce, Texans; Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks*


Honorable mention: Tyler Allgeier, Falcons; Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs; Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders

Breece Hall was starting to break out for the Jets before an unfortunate injury in Week 7 — he was on our all-rookie team the first time through, back in early October. Kenneth Walker IIIbattled injuries of his own but was a ball of energy for the Seahawks offense whenever he was on the field, bouncing around with a running style reminiscent of Sonic the Hedgehog.

Dameon Pierce brought a bruising running style from Florida and stormed out to a hot start over the first half of the season. He tailed off before missing the last few games with an ankle injury, but a healthy Pierce made the most out of his blocking and broke tackles with the best of them in 2022. He should be a useful player for a Texans team that needs a bunch of ’em.

Tyler Allgeier made a case late in the season as he took over the Falcons’ backfield down the stretch. He seemed to get faster as games — and, frankly, the season — went along. Behind a creative Falcons run attack, Allgeier churned out first downs at the seventh-highest rate among running backs with 100 or more rushes. — Nate Tice Wide receiver

Drake London, Falcons; Chris Olave, Saints*; Garrett Wilson, Jets*


Honorable mention: Jahan Dotson, Commanders; George Pickens, Steelers; Christian Watson, Packers

It is refreshing when the top receiver prospect in the draft is also the top rookie pass catcher, and that was the case with Garrett Wilson. Despite unreliable quarterback play (and while working with three starting quarterbacks), the Ohio State product did what he did in Columbus: made the playbook come alive. He led all rookies in most receiving categories and was one of only two NFL receivers to force 20 or more missed tackles. (Deebo Samuel was the other.)

.@MikeWhiteQB to @GarrettWilson_V for a 54-yard TD!

: #CHIvsNYJ on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/BjNU8n0f1f pic.twitter.com/DcSb1AxEH0

— NFL (@NFL) November 27, 2022

Chris Olave, Wilson’s college teammate, also had a superb season and produced almost as many receiving yards (1,042) as Wilson (1,103). He and Drake London each hauled in 72 catches (14 behind Wilson), and London finished the year with his season high in yards (120).

Christian Watson was very feast or famine, but his feast is a five-star meal. George Pickens is already one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, so hopefully he stays disciplined to fully develop his skills. And it doesn’t stop there — Jahan Dotson also earned an honorable mention, while three other rookies (Alec Pierce, Treylon Burks and Romeo Doubs) produced 400-plus yards. A loaded wide receiver draft class lived up to the hype in Year 1. — Brugler Tight end

Cade Otton, Buccaneers; Chigoziem Okonkwo, Titans


Honorable mention: Greg Dulcich, Broncos; Isaiah Likely, Ravens

Cade Otton was force-fed playing time early, then started to come into his own over the second half of the season. He was a good blocker in college and started to learn how to transition against bigger, faster and better NFL defenders. He will never be a mismatch nightmare, but he started to earn more targets from Tom Brady as a reliable underneath target.

Chig Okonkwo filled the vacant Jonnu Smith role in the Titans offense, which had been missing since Smith signed with the Patriots. The rookie is an explosive-play threat every time he touches the ball and was getting plays drawn up for him by season’s end. He’s a really fun player who can give defenses fits with his speed and receiving ability.

Greg Dulcich had fewer catches (33) than Otton (42) but more yards (411-391). After an early season injury, he immediately brought an explosive element to a desolate Broncos offense. Russell Wilson loved targeting him down the field, and Dulcich brought a yards-after-catch element, as well. — Tice

GO DEEPER

One key matchup to watch in each NFC wild-card game Offensive line

Charles Cross, Seahawks; Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens*; Abraham Lucas, Seahawks; Jamaree Salyer, Chargers; Tyler Smith, Cowboys*


Honorable mention: Ikem Ekwonu, Panthers; Zion Johnson, Chargers; Cole Strange, Patriots; Braxton Jones, Bears

This looks to be a solid draft class in terms of depth (as you can see).

Tyler Linderbaum and Abe Lucas were on our midseason all-rookie team and finished strong. Lucas allowed just 11 pressures during the regular season, while Cross’ athleticism is starting to show up more and more.

Jamaree Salyer was a pleasant surprise early when he took over for an injured Rashawn Slater and, my goodness ,what a performance the rest of the way. He and Zion Johnson (plus a healthy Slater) give Justin Herbert a terrific foundation to work with moving forward.

Tyler Smith … what else can be said? So many of us criticized Dallas’ decision to bump him outside early this season after Tyron Smith got hurt. But, as Zack Martin told reporters recently, Tyler Smith’s general calm as a player has been there since day one. There’s a very bright future for the young Cowboy.

Honorable mention Ikem Ekwonu had a really interesting season. The former NC State standout was arguably the top OL in this class in terms of pure measurables, but he’s also very young. You saw flashes of brilliance and frustration for a while, then things started to even out a bit. He had great days against quality teams like San Francisco and Cincinnati and is only going to get better. — Nick Baumgardner

---

Jordan Davis flashed signs of dominance, but he played just 224 defensive snaps this season. (Eric Hartline / USA Today) Defensive line

Jordan Davis, Eagles; Travis Jones, Ravens


Honorable mention: Logan Hall, Buccaneers; Devonte Wyatt, Packers

A challenging year for the rookie interior tackles and also, maybe, an indication of how rare truly disruptive A- and B-gap pocket pushers are. Jordan Davis has a chance to be that type of player, to be sure. The former Georgia Bulldogs behemoth had plenty of flashes (eight hurries, eight pressures) through 13 games before an injury. He still has technique growth to fix, but barring injury it seems he’ll definitely play up to his pick slot.

Travis Jones proved to be another very good value pick for the Ravens. It took him a bit to get moving, but he’s gotten better as the year’s gone deeper. Devonte Wyatt, meantime, has definitely flashed — just like at Georgia. He and linebacker Quay Walker have a chance to grow into something special in Green Bay. — Baumgardner Edge

Aidan Hutchinson, Lions*; Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants


Honorable mention: Micheal Clemons, Jets; James Houston, Lions; Drake Jackson, 49ers; George Karlaftis, Chiefs; Travon Walker, Jaguars

Playing edge in the NFL is hard, so it’s no surprise the rookies here needed a stretch of games to come into their own. The whole crop really heated up as the days got colder.

Aidan Hutchinson started to get home and affect the quarterback more consistently, en route to 9.5 sacks. Wink Martindale’s blitz-happy scheme, meanwhile, eventually unlocked Kayvon Thibodeaux (4.0 sacks), getting him free paths to the quarterback and allowing him to dominate tight ends who tried to block him on the outside.

Another @AidanHutch97 SACK. He's up to 9.5 on the year.

: #DETvsGB on NBC
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/9hDtJVDM1m pic.twitter.com/srCt43hDZP

— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2023

George Karlaftis developed more tools for his pass rush, too, and even pulled out a Ronaldo sack celebration. Travon Walker is a known project, but he continues to flash true rare ability, crushing tight ends and finding a bit of success by playing more snaps on the inside.

Drake Jackson batted balls left and right for the chaotic 49ers pass rush — he just adds another piece to that extremely talented front and defensive unit. And James Houston wound up being a revelation late, delivering eight sacks on 140 defensive snaps for an off-the-charts slugging percentage. — Tice

Linebacker

Devin Lloyd, Jaguars; Malcolm Rodriguez, Lions; Quay Walker, Packers


Honorable mention: Christian Harris, Texans; Jack Sanborn, Bears

In an evolving league, the learning curve for second-level defenders is growing steeper, so it’s no surprise the best performers at linebacker were the ones with the explosive burst and length to recover in time to make plays.

Malcolm Rodriguez may have the best per-snap production of all the rookie linebackers: 58 solo tackles (seven for loss) in just 584 defensive snaps. Quay Walker and Devin Lloyd each logged over 800 snaps, beating Rodriguez on overall production. They finished behind Jalen Pitre for total tackles among rookies with 119 and 115, respectively (Pitre had a whopping 147). Walker had 6.5 combined tackles for loss and sacks plus three forced fumbles. Lloyd finished 2022 without any backfield production, but we know from his time at Utah that he can add value as a blitzer and additional rusher. — Diante Lee

GO DEEPER

Updated 2023 NFL Draft order: With the top 18 set, which teams are in good shape? Cornerback

Sauce Gardner, Jets*; Trent McDuffie, Chiefs; Tariq Woolen, Seahawks*


Honorable mention: DaRon Bland, Cowboys; Martin Emerson, Browns; Kyler Gordon, Bears; Kader Kohou, Dolphins; Roger McCreary, Titans

The Defensive Rookie of the Year Award has been obvious in recent seasons — Micah Parsonslast year, Chase Young the year before that. And the trend should continue with Sauce Gardner, who deserves legitimate All-Pro and Pro Bowl consideration. His 20 passes defended not only led all rookies, it was tops in the entire NFL, two ahead of Jalen Ramsey. After not giving up a touchdown over three years in college, Gardner finally allowed a score in Week 2 against the Browns, but that was the only TD he gave up this season.

“Lost in the sauce.”

Jets star Sauce Gardner with a pass breakup to prevent the Broncos from scoring a touchdown.

@nyjets pic.twitter.com/eEbV8v4Tlo

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) October 23, 2022

If not for Gardner, Tariq Woolen would have been a shoo-in for the top rookie corner with his six interceptions, which tied for the NFL lead. Trent McDuffie also deserves praise for the way he played over the second half of the season. — Brugler Safety

Jaquan Brisker, Bears; Kerby Joseph, Lions; Jalen Pitre, Texans*


Honorable mention: Kyle Hamilton, Ravens; Rodney Thomas II, Colts

The standout player of this bunch was Jalen Pitre, who moved to deep safet after playing in the slot in college and flourished with 99 solo tackles (four for loss) and five interceptions.

Jaquan Brisker and Kerby Joseph also established themselves as legitimate building blocks for teams that need to overhaul their defensive depth charts. Brisker’s versatility kept him near the ball, and his physicality was a necessary piece for Chicago. He had 74 solo tackles, four sacks and an interception as a rookie. Joseph flashed his range in huge games against the Packers, picking off Aaron Rodgers three times in two meetings.

One-handed!@JaquanBrisker gets the INT.

: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/4r3PeOsdHe

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022

While Kyle Hamilton received only honorable mention, he was brought in to a deep position group in Baltimore and needed time to have a consistent role outlined. He finished the year with 41 solo tackles and a pair of tackles for loss. — Lee

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Kicker

Cade York, Browns


Honorable mention: Cameron Dicker, Chargers

Cade York’s longest kick — and most thrilling moment — came way back in Week 1, when he drilled a 58-yarder to carry the Browns past the Panthers. He finished his rookie year with 24 field goals (and was 35-of-37 on extra points), but the next step will be finding more consistency — York’s 75 percent success rate on field goals ranked 30th in the NFL.

Cameron Dicker was at the opposite end of the spectrum: 95.5 percent (21 of 22 field goals), split between the Eagles and Chargers. He had a case to take this spot and probably would have had he played more than 11 games. — Chris Burke Punter

Ryan Stonehouse, Titans


Honorable mention: Jake Camarda, Buccaneers

Pretty easy one here. Ryan Stonehouse’s jersey and cleats are en route to Canton, Ohio, after he broke the NFL’s single-season record for yards per punt (53.1) and established an NFL rookie record at 44.0 net yards per punt. The Colorado State product pinned 30 of his 90 attempts inside the opponent’s 20.

Jake Camarda’s 48.8 yards per punt was nothing to sneeze at, though. That ranked fifth in the league. — Burke Special teams

Brenden Schooler, Patriots


Honorable mention: Dallis Flowers, Colts; Marcus Jones, Patriots; Velus Jones Jr., Bears; Rashid Shaheed, Saints; Montrell Washington, Broncos

Bill Belichick didn’t exactly nail his offensive coordinator pick this year, but the dude knows how to find special teams talent. New England scooped up Brenden Schooler as an undrafted free agent, then Schooler developed into an ace on the team’s coverage units. He finished with 14 tackles (all on special teams) and a pair of fumble recoveries.

His teammate, third-round pick Marcus Jones, was one of several rookies to stand out as a returner. Jones averaged a league-high 12.5 yards per punt return; fellow rookie Dallis Flowers paced all kick returners at 31.1 yards per attempt. — Burke

[beachcomber]

JSN

ok, took a (closer) look, and.... not on board.

had a hellah Rose Bowl, and w/the both of Olave & Garrett Wilson sitting out.... 347 yards, 15 receptions & 3 TDs
had a 141.8 QB rating as WR3 behind the both of Olave & Wilson
he's a route runner that creates separation

his 2021 production may inflate his draft stock
he's pretty much a slot only receiver, or @least more a complimentary slot than outside, and would be WR2 @best, and WR4 to start for us
he's a possession receiver that doesn't have great long speed, which makes him a WR2 and not 1

overall he is not elite, w/avg traits, had a hamstring injury and drops, has only one season of production, and as his 3 game stats for 2022 (without the big 2 of Olave and Wilson) are underwhelming to say the least

his compare is Hunter Renfrow/Robert Woods or a slower CeeDee Lamb

personally don't like that he came down w/an injury in the year they were counting on him, and without the big 2
eye question his mindset and intangibles, and would consider him an injury concern

he looks to be a second round value, that will go in the first, as the classic high risk first round receiver

in my book he is closer to a huge risk than not, and would much rather take a more solid option round one, and still prefer lineman there, or if Bijan or Kincaid drops to us @21

ps. do agree that he is more Keenanesque than any other wideout in this draft, albeit still would rather have Keenan for the next coupla few years, as JSN is not better than Allen, not better than Olave and not better than Wilson.... he's a day two talent/value, that will go earlier than that.

[Formula 21]

The salary cap’s effect on the O Line is concerning to me. I can’t see Feiler being brought back because we need the cap space. Salyer slides into his spot nicely. Younger and cheaper.

Do we give Feiler’s money to Pips or let him walk. There are ORTs available in this draft, easily through the 2nd and perhaps through the 3rd round.

Building an OL is just a never ending job.

And if you take an OL early, Some other needy position goes unfilled. This team just cannot seem to get ahead of the talent curve.

[ghost]

1:53

wow. I want that D-line coach. Poor LT never knew what hit him

I was most impressed by Keeanu's stack and shed ability. Look at him use his heavy hands, and stand his man right up. Powerful stuff.

[Fouts2herbert]

So what happens if they release both Allen and Mack? Frees up a lot of cap space and produces two holes.

They are not going to go into full rebuild mode, hoy smokes! you guys are completely overreacting to is cap stuff…

if you want to limit the impact to the roster by limiting the number of moves made and maximizing the amount of cap space gained? One particular move should be on everyone’s mind and that’s trading joey bosa, it almost clears the 20 mil in one fell swoop AND gives the chargers draft capital to use on edge and to fill other depth needs as well…it’s a really obvious move to me, he’s still a big enough name and young enough to bring the biggest return while clearing the most cap space…and very few people are even discussing it…I’ve laughed at other people for suggesting this in the past, but in light of his production on the field, I think it’s undeniable that he’s not close or has ever been close to earning that massive contract…the behavior stuff I won’t even get into, just focus on the production, it’s just not there…that’s 19 plus mil cleared from a bosa trade

after the bosa trade cutting fieler and hopkins clears another 8.5 mil in cap space and then you can extend ekeler and davis until age thirty which drops their cap numbers by 40-50% for 2023 and creates an additional 8-9 million in cap space….that’s 16 plus mil cleared with two extensions and two easy cuts…

Making these moves means all we lose is an underperforming and over priced edge and guard, and a kicker we don’t need, and we keep two valuable pieces beyond 2023 in ekeler and davis, plus we keep keenan and mack for 2023

BTW, keeping keenan and macks contract untouched in 2023 means it’s even easier to move on from them in 2024…if you do this their dead cap in 2024 would be like 16.8 but their cap savings comes in over 33mil which would more than pay for the cap hit, that’s a net gain of like 16 mil in next years cap assuming they don’t trade or do something else with those guys, who can say?

but at the very least this plan means we only lose bosa, fieler, and hopkins in 2023 and it leaves the team poised to make another solid playoff run…the added bonus is that you keep herbert happy by not getting rid of his favorite target…

[Formula 21]

The unknown to me is what direction Spanos will take. Extend contracts and continue to invest in experienced talent or pull back the money commitment and go young and cheap. Did last year’s unmet expectations turn him off on investing in winning?