2024 Chargers Draft Superthread - Prospect Discussion - Draft Has Started

[21&500]

Alt ORT.
There are other possibilities.
CB will not help as much as OL improvement.
I would be wary of DBs who tackle like Cromartie.

I've been very critical of Pipkins all season, through games we've won, he has struggled mightily.
I have this fantasy of Jim coming in here and turning Pip into what he is paid to be, a starting caliber ORT, but fantasy is the key word.
I can be on-board with Alt at ROT but it's a risky projection. If Alt has a genuinely positive attitude about switching sides, as does our staff, maybe.
I doubt Slater is willing to move OLT money coming this offseason.

[Boltjolt]

Check the tape.
LOL.
Maybe I will like Bowers
for us before April, Bjolt.

There are several players I wouldn't mind having that if we draft, id be fine with.
Alt is one. Can't argue with a pick that helps the team and he would make sense. Maybe they trade Pipkins if they can figure it out money wise.
Others would make sense too, such as Latu, McKinstrey, Nabers or my guy Bowers.

Bowers is just my guy is all.....and he plays a position we are very thin at when the season ends.

Posters say we need to get our 52 mil QB some help. Well, there's one. An athletic TE who can also block.

It's not like my guy is some far fetched prospect lol. Hec maybe we can trade down a few spots and still get him.

[wu-dai clan]

Bowers plays a brand of football we could use a dose of.

[dmac_bolt]

I wouldn't be mad if we drafted Alt. Commitment to the franchise player.
How many 1st round TE's made it to their 5th-year option...? Not many. Maybe none.
I see several LB's that could make it to 3rd round. Question is... will they be PBA at that point.
To your point... will your 2nd round LB's be BPA at that draft slot. BPA the whole draft... the PON is endless this time.
We don't HAVE to draft a CB. But if he's BPA... you do it. Right now, we got ASJ. That's it. Nada mas. NFL has cloning laws... somewhere.
We are 31st in the NFL at defending the pass.
In a passing league!!!!

I would be good with Alt too. But the anti-Bowers comments are kinda ridiculous imo. He is a top talent, he is more highly rated than every TE taken last year that half this crowd clamored for in Rd1. He is consistently rated top 4-6 by all analysts, and our homegrown experts here are not all smarter and have not called out anything specific about him. He is a complete TE in he is a very good run blocker and a very good receiver - he’s complete unlike many that people wanted last year.

some just don’t like TE at 5, well ok thats fine but no need to then call him a shit player who won’t even be good. We do have a huge hole at TE of no elite TE, and we do watch the best teams regularly utilize an elite TE as a difference maker. KC wouldnt have won a single trophy without Kelce. NE won several trophies due to TEs. On and on - a great TE is a difference in the NFL.

I’d be 100% fine if they went Bowers, wouldnt blink for a second. Also fine if they went Nabers though I really can’t see that. I do not think Koolaid is a Top5 pick if his measurables are what they are said to be and folk that ignore that are putting the entire future of the Charger Organization at existential risk!!!

(lol - dramatic reading encouraged)

[DerwinBosa]

You can really make the case wither way as this team has a few needs.

You are not wrong, but nor are those who want better support around the best asset in the franchise, the QB . Herbert is not progressing as he should be with his talent. He needs better more dynamic weapons and he needs better protection as he has been taking a beating and now has 3 injuries in the last 2 seasons.

I am not against providing better protection for the quarterback. If we draft Alt or Fashanu in the first round that's just fine with me. I believe winning the line of scrimmage is the most important element. Once you have that accomplished, then you can focus on getting the weapons. But I think our offensive line will perform much better if we hire Harbaugh or another good-to-great coach. We have two first-round picks and another young player in Salyer who show promise on the offensive line. Center and right tackle are needs. Maybe we can move Salyer out to right tackle. I don't think anyone here thinks it's a good idea to draft a center in the top ten. We can find one later in the draft or free agency.

The 2007 Patriots were loaded with weapons for Brady to throw to, and they got manhandled by the Giants' defensive line in the Super Bowl. Same thing happened to the 2011 Patriots in the Super Bowl. The 2013 Broncos still have the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, but they got destroyed in the Super Bowl by the Seahawks, whose leading wide receiver was Golden Tate (he had 64 receptions for 898 yards and five touchdowns). The 2015 Broncos' passing game was weak, and they won the Super Bowl. The 2020 Chiefs were loaded with weapons, and they lost the Super Bowl because most of their offensive line was injured and Patrick Mahomes was running for his life the whole game. The 2022 Chiefs didn't have Tyreek Hill, and they won the Super Bowl.

Ultimately I want a pass-rusher and defensive tackle added in the first two rounds because I want a defense that will pummel the opposing quarterbacks in the AFC--Mahomes, Allen, Burrow, and so on. Some of you seem to want to build a passing game that will be able to outduel the Chiefs, Bills, Bengals, and other superior aerial attacks. That has been the approach of ours for most of our existence, and it has led to zero Super Bowl rings. So, I think it's the wrong approach.

[Boltnut]

I would be good with Alt too. But the anti-Bowers comments are kinda ridiculous imo. He is a top talent, he is more highly rated than every TE taken last year that half this crowd clamored for in Rd1. He is consistently rated top 4-6 by all analysts, and our homegrown experts here are not all smarter and have not called out anything specific about him. He is a complete TE in he is a very good run blocker and a very good receiver - he’s complete unlike many that people wanted last year.

some just don’t like TE at 5, well ok thats fine but no need to then call him a shit player who won’t even be good. We do have a huge hole at TE of no elite TE, and we do watch the best teams regularly utilize an elite TE as a difference maker. KC wouldnt have won a single trophy without Kelce. NE won several trophies due to TEs. On and on - a great TE is a difference in the NFL.

I’d be 100% fine if they went Bowers, wouldnt blink for a second. Also fine if they went Nabers though I really can’t see that. I do not think Koolaid is a Top5 pick if his measurables are what they are said to be and folk that ignore that are putting the entire future of the Charger Organization at existential risk!!!

(lol - dramatic reading encouraged)

Anti-Bowers comments...? Where did I say that Bowers was a "shit player"...?
Put me in the "Don't like a TE @#5" Camp please.

Listen, if Kool-Aid runs a 4.55+ forty yard dash... I'll back off. But his tape doesn't suggest that's true. He's fast, he's sudden, he can shut-down other team's best WR. Those are facts. Other team's coaches often don't throw his way. That is a fact.

"He's reportedly slow"... or, "he tackles like Cromartie"... Those are rumors or comments made to demean a player; or made to promote their preferred player. It happens every draft. I don't buy it. I just watch tape and make my judgements from there. Sorry if I don't prefer "your" players over some of my own. But there is no need to put words in my mouth...

[Boltnut]

6: R1 P6 CB Kool-Aid McKinstry - Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPb4XN-HomA
38: R2 P6 C Sedrick Van Pran - Georgia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxA2ESN5t7w
70: R3 P6 EDGE Jasheen Davis - Wake Forest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8-GQ1q4un8
106: R4 P6 RB Devin Neal - Kansas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o18JdKMrHXk
142: R5 P6 TE Brevyn Spann-Ford - Minnesota https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R07eUhr6tc4
181: R6 P6 WR Jermaine Burton - Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAvB-yEJQLE
225: R7 P6 LB Tatum Bethune - Florida State https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMgpDbvQjA

I love a draft where the team is still getting good depth players into the 5th and 7th rounds. IDK if Spann-Ford, Burton, and Bethune will all be there... but I like the depth of those positions this year.

Rounds 3 and 4 is where I look for quality depth players and players I believe will develop into starters. I think the 3rd and 4th rounds are where GM's make their money. I think Jasheen Davis is under-the-radar right now. He would be good value in Round 3 and be good enough to rotate @EDGE. I assume either Mack or Bosa are cap casulties this off-season. Devin Neal is another under-the-radar player that is very productive. I believe the biggest problem with the running game is the run-blocking. I believe the players are mostly there... but the OL coach is not.

Rounds 1 and 2 are for starters. I don't get into "generational" talk... or "can't miss" declarations. I'm more about PBA @PON team building. I consider present roster, total team-build, team deficiencies, and prospect's abilities within our system. The 1st round draft pick has to address the team's biggest need while being the BPA (within 3 or 4 players). IMO, McKinstry is in the Top-10 talent-wise. Excluding the percieved timed 40 @the Underwear Olympics... Kool-Aid has excellent coverage skills. Don't believe me... believe the college coaches that would rather not throw his direction. Sedrick Van Pran is the best college center in football. The center class is not great overall. But 2nd round for Van Pran is good value. Center has always been one of my wishes for this club. I was ecstatic they got Linsley in free agency. Sadly, it looks like his playing days are over. The OL is horrendous without him. The whole offense runs through the OL. Always fix the OL first. I believe a good center can do that.

I hope you watch some of the tape I've provided on each prospect... I think that's what this thread is supposed to be about. Hopefully if you like what you've seen, you will go watch some more whole-game tapes (like I've done) on these players... so as not to base your opinion on just highlight reels or "expert" opinions (who often haven't even watched tape)...

[Boltnut]

I failed to address the IDL position in my mock above. But I believe that the Chargers can pick up a 3rd and 4th via trade... as they shed cap space this off-season. One of those picks should definitely be used on IDL. The other might be used on safety. I think those rounds have quality players at those positions.

[AFboltfan]

6: R1 P6 CB Kool-Aid McKinstry - Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPb4XN-HomA
38: R2 P6 C Sedrick Van Pran - Georgia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxA2ESN5t7w
70: R3 P6 EDGE Jasheen Davis - Wake Forest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8-GQ1q4un8
106: R4 P6 RB Devin Neal - Kansas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o18JdKMrHXk
142: R5 P6 TE Brevyn Spann-Ford - Minnesota https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R07eUhr6tc4
181: R6 P6 WR Jermaine Burton - Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAvB-yEJQLE
225: R7 P6 LB Tatum Bethune - Florida State https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMgpDbvQjA

I love a draft where the team is still getting good depth players into the 5th and 7th rounds. IDK if Spann-Ford, Burton, and Bethune will all be there... but I like the depth of those positions this year.

Rounds 3 and 4 is where I look for quality depth players and players I believe will develop into starters. I think the 3rd and 4th rounds are where GM's make their money. I think Jasheen Davis is under-the-radar right now. He would be good value in Round 3 and be good enough to rotate @EDGE. I assume either Mack or Bosa are cap casulties this off-season. Devin Neal is another under-the-radar player that is very productive. I believe the biggest problem with the running game is the run-blocking. I believe the players are mostly there... but the OL coach is not.

Rounds 1 and 2 are for starters. I don't get into "generational" talk... or "can't miss" declarations. I'm more about PBA @PON team building. I consider present roster, total team-build, team deficiencies, and prospect's abilities within our system. The 1st round draft pick has to address the team's biggest need while being the BPA (within 3 or 4 players). IMO, McKinstry is in the Top-10 talent-wise. Excluding the percieved timed 40 @the Underwear Olympics... Kool-Aid has excellent coverage skills. Don't believe me... believe the college coaches that would rather not throw his direction. Sedrick Van Pran is the best college center in football. The center class is not great overall. But 2nd round for Van Pran is good value. Center has always been one of my wishes for this club. I was ecstatic they got Linsley in free agency. Sadly, it looks like his playing days are over. The OL is horrendous without him. The whole offense runs through the OL. Always fix the OL first. I believe a good center can do that.

I hope you watch some of the tape I've provided on each prospect... I think that's what this thread is supposed to be about. Hopefully if you like what you've seen, you will go watch some more whole-game tapes (like I've done) on these players... so as not to base your opinion on just highlight reels or "expert" opinions (who often haven't even watched tape)...

I like this draft, well done.

Van Pran over Powers-Johnson?

What are your thoughts on a trade down? Do you think we could still get Kool Aid in that situation?

[Boltnut]

I like this draft, well done.

Van Pran over Powers-Johnson?

What are your thoughts on a trade down? Do you think we could still get Kool Aid in that situation?

I like Van Pran over Powers-Johnson... a lot of that has to do with the competition Van Pran has gone against. A bit more proven. I like Van Pran's body type a bit better, too.

It would be risky to trade back. It only takes 1 GM that values a shut-down CB... then he's gone. IMO, there is a pretty big drop-off at CB after Kool-Aid. I was really high on Kalen King. Then MHJ exposed some of his issues (length being one, footwork being another).

[wu-dai clan]

This board is sleeping on the best Center prospect in this draft.

Graham Barton DUKE

And he has position flexibility.

Also, I do not presume to have inside knowledge on Linsley's medical prognosis, and his very personal decision. For now, he is no doubt consulting with doctors, assessing, reassessing, and spending time with the new twins. It still could go either way.

[Boltjolt]

6: R1 P6 CB Kool-Aid McKinstry - Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPb4XN-HomA
38: R2 P6 C Sedrick Van Pran - Georgia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxA2ESN5t7w
70: R3 P6 EDGE Jasheen Davis - Wake Forest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8-GQ1q4un8
106: R4 P6 RB Devin Neal - Kansas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o18JdKMrHXk
142: R5 P6 TE Brevyn Spann-Ford - Minnesota https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R07eUhr6tc4
181: R6 P6 WR Jermaine Burton - Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAvB-yEJQLE
225: R7 P6 LB Tatum Bethune - Florida State https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opMgpDbvQjA

I love a draft where the team is still getting good depth players into the 5th and 7th rounds. IDK if Spann-Ford, Burton, and Bethune will all be there... but I like the depth of those positions this year.

Rounds 3 and 4 is where I look for quality depth players and players I believe will develop into starters. I think the 3rd and 4th rounds are where GM's make their money. I think Jasheen Davis is under-the-radar right now. He would be good value in Round 3 and be good enough to rotate @EDGE. I assume either Mack or Bosa are cap casulties this off-season. Devin Neal is another under-the-radar player that is very productive. I believe the biggest problem with the running game is the run-blocking. I believe the players are mostly there... but the OL coach is not.

Rounds 1 and 2 are for starters. I don't get into "generational" talk... or "can't miss" declarations. I'm more about PBA @PON team building. I consider present roster, total team-build, team deficiencies, and prospect's abilities within our system. The 1st round draft pick has to address the team's biggest need while being the BPA (within 3 or 4 players). IMO, McKinstry is in the Top-10 talent-wise. Excluding the percieved timed 40 @the Underwear Olympics... Kool-Aid has excellent coverage skills. Don't believe me... believe the college coaches that would rather not throw his direction. Sedrick Van Pran is the best college center in football. The center class is not great overall. But 2nd round for Van Pran is good value. Center has always been one of my wishes for this club. I was ecstatic they got Linsley in free agency. Sadly, it looks like his playing days are over. The OL is horrendous without him. The whole offense runs through the OL. Always fix the OL first. I believe a good center can do that.

I hope you watch some of the tape I've provided on each prospect... I think that's what this thread is supposed to be about. Hopefully if you like what you've seen, you will go watch some more whole-game tapes (like I've done) on these players... so as not to base your opinion on just highlight reels or "expert" opinions (who often haven't even watched tape)...

Those highlights of McKinstrey are puzzling in that those are the plays they chose. Half of those throws are terrible throws, one at 1:21 is likely, maybe a PI in the NFL as he is holding the recievers right arm and not looking back at the ball. I got nothing against McKinstrey at all,...i do like him but those are some puzzling plays to make a highlight video of.

Not real impressed by the TE. Reminds of the Calcatara TE you liked late rounds that hasnt done diddley in the NFL in 2 seasons. Thats just drafting a backup at a possition we will have nobody at next year except Stone Smartt.
He has little speed, little YAC ability that will translate to the NFL. IMO that isnt helping Herbert.
Even if we dont get Bowers, id be looking at Sanders or Stover knowing Stover is raw....or Sinnott.