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

[La Costa Boy]

Another Athletic article that has a look at round 4 - 7 guys. A good read.


Chargers NFL Draft sleepers: 45 late-round players at positions of need



By Daniel Popper 1h ago





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The Chargers’ top priority as they head into the NFL Draft will be bolstering the depth and rotational areas of their roster. Finding a potential difference-making player in the first round, which begins Thursday night, is an important initial step toward that goal. The Chargers, though, are not one player away from filling out the requisite depth to contend for a title.
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They are banking on a strong draft from start to finish and finding rookies who are capable of carving out significant roles in 2023 — including in Rounds 4 through on Saturday.
We have already published our Chargers-specific big board for the first two days of the draft. Now, using Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” draft guide, we will dive into potential Day 3 targets at positions where the Chargers need additional depth. (There are quite a few of those.)
Coach Brandon Staley is entering his third draft, and we have two seasons of data points to formulate an archetype of player Staley prefers at each position. Combining those archetypes with Dane’s draft guide and specific skill set needs, we have a list of 45 potential Day 3 targets, separated by position.

GO DEEPER
Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft 2023 guide: Picks, predictions and key needs


Cornerback

The Chargers could take a cornerback earlier in the draft, but if they opt to wait until Day 3 — as they did last season, and as I did in my final mock draft — there are two main traits Staley has targeted in the past with these picks:
1. Flexibility to play both in the slot and outside
2. The speed to turn-and-run in coverage
Finding both is not easy at this stage of the draft. All prospects have weaknesses, and Day 3 players tend to have more weaknesses than earlier draft picks. The Chargers found both traits in Ja’Sir Taylor, a sixth-round pick last year. They also took Deane Leonard in the seventh round. Leonard ran 4.37 40-yard dash in the 2022 pre-draft process.

GO DEEPER
Chargers 2023 mock draft 4.0: Notre Dame's Michael Mayer makes the most sense at No. 21


Darrell Luter Jr., South Alabama (5-11, 189 pounds, 4.46 40-yard dash)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Athletic, long and unfond of receivers who think the catch point belongs to them. He projects as a man-coverage NFL cornerback with the skill set to work inside or outside.”
Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville (5-10, 181, 4.42)

Projected round: 5th
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Brugler scouting report: “Below-average length and play strength, but he flashes playmaking instincts with the cover skills to stay connected to NFL receivers. His development in the slot will be an important step to success at the next level.”
Mekhi Blackmon, USC (5-11, 178, 4.47)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Will sacrifice coverage phase and attract flags when he doesn’t trust his technique, but he is instinctive and aggressive playing the ball in the air. He projects best on the perimeter with man-to-man responsibilities.”

USC’s Mekhi Blackmon is a fifth- or sixth-round option. (Stan Szeto / USA Today)



Starling Thomas V, UAB (5-10, 190, 4.38)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Has high-level speed and twitchy cover skills with the toughness to match. He has the skill set to play both outside and at the nickel.”
Arquon Bush, Cincinnati (5-11, 187, 4.42)

Projected round: 6th-7th
Brugler scouting report: “Speed and ball skills are critical at the cornerback position, and he checks those boxes. His experience in the nickel only helps his chances.”
Jarrick Bernard-Converse, LSU (6-0, 196, 4.39)

Projected round: Priority free agent
Brugler scouting report: “Offers a wealth of experience with more than 3,500 defensive snaps (64 games) and time at outside corner, nickel and safety.”
Interior defensive line

Staley wants big, long, physical, tough and versatile interior defenders capable of taking on double-teams in the run front. Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia all fit that mold. Height, weight and arm length are the key measurable metrics. Pass rush capability is less important.
Byron Young, Alabama (6-3, 294, 34 3/8-inch arms)

Projected round: 3rd-4th
Brugler scouting report: “He can break down the rhythm of blockers with his length, awareness and skill. He is scheme-diverse and will provide immediate depth as an NFL rotational player.”
Cameron Young, Mississippi State (6-3, 304, 34 1/2-inch arms)

Projected round: 4th
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Brugler scouting report: “His forceful punch and balance through contact are NFL traits.”
Jerrod Clark, Coastal Carolina (6-3, 334, 33 3/4-inch arms)

Projected round: 7th
Brugler scouting report: “Relies more on his raw strength than technical skill to win trench battles, but his package of size, length and foot quickness is a worthy project.”
Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky (6-4, 330, 35-inch arms)

Projected round: 7th
Brugler scouting report: “Martin won’t be a high-volume snap defender in the NFL, but he is a wrecking ball who can become a valuable part of a nose tackle rotation if given time to develop.”
Receivers

General manager Tom Telesco, entering his 11th draft with the Chargers, typically values bigger, well-rounded receivers with more refined route-running and contested-catch capacity. I think that approach should change to a degree this year, as the Chargers must add field-stretching speed to their receiver room, and they also need to find a returner. Those are the attributes to be looking for on Day 3 if the Chargers do not take a receiver/returner earlier in the draft.
Charlie Jones, Purdue (5-11, 173, 4.43 40-yard dash)

Projected round: 4th-5th
Brugler scouting report: “Doesn’t have the twitch or play strength to easily uncover outside the numbers, but his crafty speed and ball skills will help find him a role in the NFL. He also has the skills to readily factor in the return game.”

Purdue’s Charlie Jones could give the Chargers the return man they currently lack. (Marc Lebryk / USA Today)



Andrei Iosivas, Princeton (6-3, 205, 4.43)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Though he is a project for an NFL team, he can add a vertical element for an offense while he develops at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart.”
Rakim Jarrett, Maryland (5-11, 192, 4.44)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Jarrett has intriguing upside with his speed, burst and the natural talent with the ball in his hands.”
David Durden, West Florida (6-1, 204, 4.45)

Projected round: 6th-7th
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Brugler scouting report: “Explosive timed speed and play speed. … Can turn short gains into big plays, displaying outstanding vision, competitive toughness and contact balance with the ball in his hands. … Productive on special teams as a returner and gunner.”
Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia (6-3, 221, 4.38)

Projected round: 7th
Brugler scouting report: “Rare height/length/speed athlete with potential to be a ball winner.”
Edge rusher

I think it would be a mistake if the Chargers wait until Day 3 to take an edge rusher. But they only have three picks in the first two days, and an important positional need could be left unaddressed. The only edge rusher Staley has drafted is Chris Rumph II, whose two best attributes coming out of Duke were elite college production and high football character.
K.J. Henry, Clemson (6-4, 251, 53 QB pressures in 2022)

Projected round: 4th
Brugler scouting report: “High-energy rusher with lower body quickness and flexibility.”
DJ Johnson, Oregon (6-4, 260, 6 sacks in 2022)

Projected round: 4th-5th
Brugler scouting report: “Has only average instincts and needs to round out his game, but he is long and explosive with a motor that runs hot.”
Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan (6-2, 262, 11 1/2 sacks in 2022)

Projected round: 4th-5th
Brugler scouting report: “Has the upfield athleticism and edge-setting presence to provide an NFL team value as both a pass rusher and run defender.”
Mike Morris, Michigan (6-6, 275, 7 1/2 sacks in 2022)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Doesn’t currently rush with savvy and needs to broaden his assortment of moves, but he is a nimble-footed power rusher with the scheme-diverse traits to be a sound run defender.”
Andre Carter II, Army (6-6, 256, 15 1/2 sacks in 2021, 3 1/2 in 2022)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Sack production plummeted in 2022. … Agile athlete with terrific length and effort, which is a great foundation for a developing pass rusher.”

Army’s Andre Carter II didn’t match the sack production he had in 2021 but could still offer upside as a rusher. (Danny Wild / USA Today)



Tight end

The Chargers should take a tight end on Day 1 or 2. If they wait, they will miss out on a more complete option at the position. I think run blocking should be a priority regardless of where they end up picking a tight end.
Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion (6-7, 255)

Projected round: 4th-5th
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Brugler scouting report: “Unrefined as a route runner, blocker and pass catcher in traffic, but he has rare size/speed tools waiting to be cultivated.”
Josh Wyle, Cincinnati (6-6, 248)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Has the triangle numbers (height/weight/speed) and blocking upside that NFL teams look for.”
Payne Durham, Purdue (6-5, 253)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Has the functional inline strength to be a battering ram or turn and seal defenders.”
Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State (6-6, 263)

Projected round: 7th
Brugler scouting report: “Medical feedback after back-to-back season-ending ankle surgeries will determine if Gindorff is drafted or not. … Projects as a throwback Y tight end.”
Linebackers

Day 3 players must have an impact on special teams, and that is particularly the case for inside linebackers. Nick Niemann, who the Chargers took in the sixth round in 2021, is a good example. I focused in on these traits: athleticism, reliable tackling, football IQ/character and special teams experience.
Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati (5-10, 231, 262 tackles in 2021-22)

Projected round: 4th
Brugler scouting report: “Tackles like a rattlesnake, playing low and striking in a blink.”
Sirvocea Dennis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 226)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Made all of the defensive calls in 2022, and everything went through him. … Vocal, passionate leader on and off the field with the type of personality that draws in his teammates. … 400 career special teams snaps.”
Cam Jones, Indiana (6-1, 226)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “He is a ready-made special teamer with the talent to inch his way up the linebacker depth chart.”
Mohamoud Diabate, Utah (6-3, 225, 4.51 40-yard ash)

Projected round: 6th-7th
Brugler scouting report: “Runs like a gazelle and attacks in a hurry.”
Shaka Heyward, Duke (6-2, 235, 4.53, 80+ tackles in each of his last three college seasons)

Projected round: 7th
Brugler scouting report: “Team captain who leads by the example of his work habits. … Was a regular on kick and punt coverages the last four seasons (14 tackles on 629 special teams snaps).”
Safety

Staley was on the Rams staff in 2020 when they drafted Jordan Fuller in the sixth round. Fuller dropped because of poor athletic testing but turned into a solid starter on the league’s best defense that season. Staley prioritizes other skills in his later-round safeties, namely vision and versatility. One of Fuller’s strengths coming out was his field vision.
Daniel Scott, California (6-0, 208)

Projected round: 4th-5th
Brugler scouting report: “Rangy backend skills with the field vision to digest multiple routes and maintain spacing. … Ball-tracking skills to make plays in the deep third of the field while also working in the box as a run defender and blitzer.”

Cal’s Daniel Scott could be an early Day 2 option. (James Snook / USA Today)



Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech (6-0, 202)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Displays astute play recognition to quickly process what he sees. … Moved between whip linebacker, safety and slot cornerback over his time in Blacksburg. … Offers versatility with his physicality near the line of scrimmage and the range to turn and run.”
Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State (5-11, 205)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Understands field leverage to restrict run lanes. … Functional drop range with strong cover awareness. … After four years at cornerback, he transitioned to a hybrid safety-nickel role (in 2022).”
Demarcco Hellams, Alabama (6-0, 203)

Projected round: 6th
Brugler scouting report: “Stays controlled downfield to track and stay in position to make a play. … Free safety in head coach Nick Saban’s multiple scheme, also seeing time in the slot and box.”
Rashad Torrence II, Florida (5-11, 193)

Projected round: Priority free agent
Brugler scouting report: “Shows the diagnose instincts for early drives on throws before the quarterback’s arm is moving forward. … Lined up in the box, slot and post. … Loose mover with functional vision to impact the game as both a run defender and cover man.”
Running back

The missing element in the Chargers running back room is an interior bruiser who can bring physicality to Kellen Moore’s rushing attack. That is the skill set I think the Chargers will be targeting if they take a running back on Day 3.
Roschon Johnson, Texas (6-0, 219)

Projected round: 3rd (obviously a Day 2 projection, but running backs tend to fall, like Isaiah Spiller did in 2022)
Brugler scouting report: “Quick-footed, physical ball carrier with valuable third-down skills as a pass-catcher and blocker.”
DeWayne McBride, UAB (5-10, 209)

Projected round: 4th
Brugler scouting report: “Remarkable contact balance with the innate ability to keep his legs alive and feet afloat (1,072 rushing yards after contact in 2022).”
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky (5-11, 217)

Projected round: 5th
Brugler scouting report: “Bruising ball carrier with outstanding vision and toughness.”
Sean Tucker, Syracuse (5-9, 207)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Instinctive between the tackles thanks to his block anticipation and lateral footwork.”
Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota (5-7, 203)

Projected round: 7th
Brugler scouting report: “Teams looking for a physical, no-nonsense presence in the run game will appreciate his decisiveness, vision and power.”
Interior offensive line

The Chargers have taken two Day 3 guards since Staley took over — Brenden Jaimes in the fifth round in 2021 and Jamaree Salyer in the sixth round in 2022. Both were college tackles who the Chargers projected as inside players. Staley prefers size — both height and weight — in his guards. It is sometimes easier to find those attributes in college tackles.
Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan (6-4, 323)

Projected round: 4th-5th
Brugler scouting report: “Thickly-built and naturally carries bulk on his well-proportioned frame. … Physical and strong in the run game.”
Jon Gaines II, UCLA (6-4, 303)

Projected round: 4th-5th
Brugler scouting report: “Possesses an NFL frame with outstanding length and hand size. … Started at four different positions (right guard, left guard, center, right tackle) over the last four years.”
Nick Broeker, Ole Miss (6-4, 305)

Projected round: 5th round
Brugler scouting report: “Primarily a left tackle most of his career until he moved to left guard as a senior. … Fundamentally-focused blocker (who) competes with the play strength and demeanor required at the next level.”
McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga (6-5, 324)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Logged 38 career starts, at three different positions (LG, RG, LT). … Has down-the-road NFL starting ability but needs to learn how to trust his technique and best utilize his biomechanics to maximize his ability.”
T.J. Bass, Oregon (6-4, 317)

Projected round: 5th-6th
Brugler scouting report: “Bass lined up at left tackle (13 starts in 2022). … Has the body thickness and force behind his well-placed punch that’s desired for interior work.”
Sala Aumavae-Laulu, Oregon (6-5, 317)

Projected round: 6th-7th
Brugler scouting report: “A three-year starter at Oregon, Aumavae-Laulu was entrenched at right tackle. … Undisciplined fundamentals often leave him off-balance, but the blocking edge and finishing toughness are redeeming qualities.”

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

The guy who convinced Detroit to chose Sewell over Slater.

We love Slater, and rightly so, but my understanding is that Sewell has for the most part done just fine with the Lions.

If there's a lesson, it's that you're not necessarily screwed just because you can't trade up for a coveted prospect (Sewell).

There's not always Slater-level quality waiting for you a few picks later, but there's is almost without exception a good player to be had, if you choose wisely.

So... if the Bolts can't trade up to secure Bijan? There will STILL be at LEAST one prospect left on the board at #21 who would be a massive upgrade at one position of need, or another.

This then begs the question: Is Gibbs this years Slater, and Bijan this years Sewell?

[beachcomber]

0-45 ??

[Lone Bolt]

Lone Bolt's Final Mock

This is a predictive mock...not always my favorite players, but players I do like, and if the draft falls this way, it is a mock that really helps the team...but who knows what the brass is thinking?

For the record...I am a Dalton Kincaid guy, all the way...if he is there at 21, I'll be banging the chair arms for us to take him...but this is a predictive mock...not sure we take him, even if he does make it to 21. But like Herbert, Slater, and Zion...my favorite pick for us heading into draft day. I also like Bijan...who doesn't?...but I doubt he makes it to us...I like Beachcombers take...Bijancaid or bust! Lol...but here is what I think could...and maybe should...happen.

1. Brian Branch DB Alabama- If this kid is there at 21, Staley will turn his hat around and start banging the table for this kid. Will TT listen? One of the few DBs in this class who is a finished enough prospect to step in right away at slot corner and safety...versatile chess piece who can actually tackle, great football IQ and instincts and processing speed....Staley said processing speed + 40 time equals game speed...it's almost like he was referring to Branch specifically...if I had to put down a dime on the pick, this would be the selection at 21.

2. Isaiah Foskey Edge Notre Dame- A selection that helps us now, and in the future, as I think Foskey has everything in the toolbox you want in a #2 Edge...maybe even #1 if he overachieves. I'm not worried about one bad game against the Buckeyes....all the Edge prospects have a bad game you can hang on them, save maybe for Will Anderson...highly productive, and he fits the mold. We sorely need a #3 Edge behind Bosa and Mack, to soak up midseason reps, and add to the rush on obvious passing situations...in this very deep Edge class, we can get a good prospect in the second, and I think in some drafts, this kid is a late first rounder. Great value, good kid, fills a need to boot.

3. Roschon Johnson RB Texas- I don't buy into TT's liar's month comments...with Ekelor very likely on his last year, we need some juice in the RB room...Spiller is an unknown. Even playing in Bijan's shadow...and that kid cast a big shadow...he was very productive, averaging 5.9 and 6.0 yards a carry his last 2 years...and he is a powerful big back with a little wiggle...a real between the tackles guy we seem to lack. Kudos to Boltjolt...he influenced me to watch this kids tape, and not sure I didn't like it better than Spiller's coming out...it was solid running.

4. Charlie Jones KR/PR/Slot Purdue- A deceptively speedy slot receiver, good feel for the zone, good route tree, and rock solid hands...a bit of a sleeper, but I see Cooper Kupp with wings on his feet.

5. Bryce Ford-Wheaton WR West Virginia- Big, tall, speed machine. A little raw, but there is some good contested catches on tape. We don't have a true Mike Williams backup on this roster, and we need one...Palmer can't do what Mike does...this kid has size and hops to high point those 50/50 balls...and he is actually damn fast. Great backup and developmental pick.

6. Juice Scruggs OC/OG Penn State- Starting to wonder, despite the mocks, if this kid makes it this far. Very nice developmental backup prospect with OC/OG versatility. Curtis McClendon also comes to mind around this slot...we have a need for IOL depth.

7. Brodric Martin NT Western Kentucky- With both AJ and Tito recovering, and Fehoko in the wind, we need depth on the interior, and we showed an interest in this kid...all I got...it's our 7th rounder...I'll make the lazy pick.

I really wanted to remake the skill position group this draft...Kincaid, Bijan, or Flowers in the first....Charbonnet, Mims, or maybe even Hyatt in the second....also would love to see us pick up the Twins, Sydney Brown(DB) and Chase Brown(RB)...how cool would that be? But alas...this is a more responsible, predictive sort of final mock....and if it fell like this, I would be pretty satisfied with the talent and depth and future development we would have added. Nuff said....argue away.

[Velo]

If your team had the No. 1 overall pick and needed a QB, would you want them to draft Bryce Young? He seems to the No. 1 consensus pick. But I wouldn't do it. He's 5-10 and under 200 lbs.

I don't care how athletic he is, that is not going to cut it in the NFL. The best he'll probably ever be is a mid-level QB in the NFL, like Kyler Murray. They should know from the Murray experience. All of Murray's athleticism does not overcome the limitations imposed by his small physical stature. The plays Bryce Young makes in college against teams like Vanderbilt aren't going to happen in the NFL.

I'm thankful for Herbert, all 6-foot-6 and 240 lbs of him.

[jamrock]

If your team had the No. 1 overall pick and needed a QB, would you want them to draft Bryce Young? He seems to the No. 1 consensus pick. But I wouldn't do it. He's 5-10 and under 200 lbs.

I don't care how athletic he is, that is not going to cut it in the NFL. The best he'll probably ever be is a mid-level QB in the NFL, like Kyler Murray. They should know from the Murray experience. All of Murray's athleticism does not overcome the limitations imposed by his small physical stature. The plays Bryce Young makes in college against teams like Vanderbilt aren't going to happen in the NFL.

I'm thankful for Herbert, all 6-foot-6 and 240 lbs of him.

Who will have more passes batted down at the LOS, Herbert or Young?

[Topcat]

3. Roschon Johnson RB Texas- I don't buy into TT's liar's month comments...with Ekelor very likely on his last year, we need some juice in the RB room...Spiller is an unknown. Even playing in Bijan's shadow...and that kid cast a big shadow...he was very productive, averaging 5.9 and 6.0 yards a carry his last 2 years...and he is a powerful big back with a little wiggle...a real between the tackles guy we seem to lack. Kudos to Boltjolt...he influenced me to watch this kids tape, and not sure I didn't like it better than Spiller's coming out...it was solid running.

^ Like this pick...if Bijan isn't there @#21, go Edge, TE, WR or CB and then pick up Roschon in round 3...I don't think he lasts to round 4...he's our Michael Turner 2.0...

[Velo]

Who will have more passes batted down at the LOS, Herbert or Young?

Good question. Ask me who I think will have more completions and throw more TD passes.

[Icebolt]

Would love Gibbs, BUT
you gotta draft Defense!

[chargeroo]

Would love Gibbs, BUT
you gotta draft Defense!

We have 7 picks, we can draft for both sides of the ball. Take the BPA in each round.

[Lone Bolt]

Anybody know what happened to Boltdude? A true draftnik, and wealth of information, particularly on some of the lesser known, late round prospects...was there a big blow up/forum war I missed? Hope all is well with him...have had some "spirited", but well informed debates with him myself...but cant remember any contributions this predraft season...

[DerwinBosa]

We love Slater, and rightly so, but my understanding is that Sewell has for the most part done just fine with the Lions.

If there's a lesson, it's that you're not necessarily screwed just because you can't trade up for a coveted prospect (Sewell).

There's not always Slater-level quality waiting for you a few picks later, but there's is almost without exception a good player to be had, if you choose wisely.

So... if the Bolts can't trade up to secure Bijan? There will STILL be at LEAST one prospect left on the board at #21 who would be a massive upgrade at one position of need, or another.

This then begs the question: Is Gibbs this years Slater, and Bijan this years Sewell?

It looks like it worked out very well with Slater (hopefully he doesn't fall apart after the injury--I think he'll be fine). It has definitely worked out with Herbert (there were those who wanted Tua badly). It doesn't always go that way, though.

There's a possibility of us staying where we are and getting nothing from our two first-round picks in this draft--while the player we could have moved up for turns out to be a stud. In hindsight we should have traded our top two picks in 2019 to move up for Dexter Lawrence or Jeffrey Simmons (I really wanted Simmons). We ended up with Tillery and Adderley in the first two rounds, neither of whom is with us now.