With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin the review
process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made. With how
the draft transpired when the Chargers were on the clock in the first round,
ADF firmly believes the upper management were jumping for joy to see a top
player fall in their laps. Los Angeles didn’t do much manoeuvering to garner
more capital but rather stayed the course selecting seven players from this
draft pool. LA did however have one of the larger undrafted free agent groups signed
in the NFL in hopes to find a diamond in the rough, let’s review…
Los Angeles Chargers 2018 Draft Class Review:
Round 1 – Pick 17 (17)
Derwin James (DB)
ADF hasn’t been shy in vocalising our man crush and praise for one
of the better talents to come out of the 2018 NFL draft! We sat and watched
with utter confusion and literal shock amazement when James continued to
free-fall down the board in the first round. Projected by most to be a top five
to top ten talent, there was no sound reason for the descent Derwin James had
to endure.
With that said, James falling to the LA Chargers might actually be
a blessing in disguise for both the player and the team. The Chargers have one
of the better up and coming defensive groups that proved they are ready to take
the next leap in their development and progression. Enter Florida State
super-star potential product, Derwin James!!! James is a perfect match to be
the quarterback on this defense with his great skill and ability. Not only does
he possess great size, but his intangibles are extremely strong. Running a 4.47
40 time while weighing in at 215 pounds is only where we scratch the surface.
James is literally a true difference maker on the field being able to elevate
those around him to reach peak levels of performance. Derwin is a solid tackler
with great instincts and a keen understanding to where he needs to be in every
formation. James can be placed close to the line or playing back deep with
exactly the same outcome, making plays.
When you review the potential depth chart for opening day, you see
Casey Hayward, Jason Verrett and Derwin James securing the backend of the
defense, unbelievably impressive. With the pass rush the Chargers employ, get
ready to see a multitude of takeaways for potentially one of the best defensive
units in the NFL in 2018. With all the praise we give to James on the field,
his off the field is an A+ as well. Derwin appears to command a locker room
form the minute he sets foot in it. He gains respect early and backs that up
with his great play. ADF is extremely sold on the potential of James being the
complete super-star at the next level. Get ready Charger fans; you got a great
one in Derwin James.
ADF Prediction: Super-Star.
Round 2 – Pick 16 (48)
Uchenna Nwosu (DE)
This is quite the interesting selection in the second round for
the LA Chargers. With ample talent on the board they chose to move in another
direction scoping up a raw prospect in Uchenna Nwosu. The former USC product
has ability and talent that if coached up could potentially become a very good
player. It’s clear to us at ADF that this selection looks to be more of a depth
pick for the purposes of making Nwosu a full time rotational player to spell
the top dogs on the defensive line. The Chargers can afford to reach a little
here as the overall outlook on the team in regards to their starting cast is
extremely solid. While Nwosu has good athleticism, and a decent first step off
the ball, he will however have to learn the trade of being a great edge rusher
to be taken seriously. His size and speed for the position leaves a little to be
desired, but ADF believes that players with ability trump the stature traits
90% of the time.
ADF Prediction: Moderate
to low potential, rotational pass rusher.
Round 3 – Pick 20 (84)
Justin Jones (DT)
While the Chargers struggled with stopping the run at times, and
having a cast on the interior of the defensive line that are aging, may have
forced their hand here. Some scouts have his size as an issue, but ADF doesn’t
view it that way. Coming in at 6’3” tall weighing 310 pounds, is adequate given
his skill-set of being a strong individual. Justin tested fairly well at the
combine and ADF was encouraged by his 3-cone drill proving he has good athletic
movements that will benefit him at the next level. At this point adding viable
talent to the defensive tackle position will be a large benefit to the
Chargers.
ADF Prediction: Potential uncertain.
Round 4 – Pick 19 (119)
Kyzir White (DB)
Recognizing the need at the safety position after the Chargers
refused to pay Tre Boston to a new contract; Los Angeles doubled down and
drafted anther safety in Kyzir White. White does possess good size but his
overall ability and lack of great speed (4.69 40 time) will be a question mark
as he will have to prove his worth in training camp. Kyzir White is definitely
known for his tackling and hitting ability which made him an attractive choice
for the Chargers, which could also land him on special teams from day one. His
skill-set is very specific and we have a feeling he’ll carve out some time in
sub packages.
ADF Prediction: Moderate
potential, big hitter.
Round 5 – Pick 18 (155)
Scott Quessenberry (OL)
As we continue down the Chargers draft board, this pick also
screams out as a depth addition as Los Angeles looks tired of not being able to
replace injured players with quality talent. Quessenberry the former UCLA
product is a solid player that has good versatility to man both the center and
guard positions making him a smart selection. Scott has great size for the
position and should find himself in a situation where he could steal snaps away
when given the opportunity.
Round 6 – Pick 17 (191)
Dylan Cantrell (WR)
While the trend continues in regards to similar traits to a lot of
the wide receivers in this class, the Chargers got themselves a wide-out late
in the draft that has great size and weight but is rather slow and not very
athletic. It seems teams are drafting these receivers in hopes to create those
miss-matches in the redzone and securing the possession to gain first downs.
Los Angeles is another team with a loaded group of receivers making it
difficult to envision Cantrell finding much playing time.
Round 7 – Pick 33 (251)
Justin Jackson (RB)
To round out the Chargers draft class, they select a depth running
back in Justin Jackson. ADF is some-what interested in the skill-set of Jackson
as his body type is something not currently on this roster. Jackson stands 6’0’
tall and almost 200 pounds and has some good ability. From his film, Jackson
showed great patience and vision waiting for holes to develop before punching
through. Justin also possesses great lateral movement with side-cuts leaving
defenders standing still. The largest knock on Jackson is his lack of breakaway
wheels as it looks like a struggle for him to obtain top end speed. He will be
on the depth chart as a potential serviceable runner.
2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Tony Brown, CB, Alabama
B.J. Clay, CB, Georgia
State
Zachary Crabree, OL, Oklahoma State
Chris Durant, OL, William and Mary
Marcus Edmund, CB, Clemson
Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech
Bijhon Jackson, DT, Arkansas
Albert Havili, DE, Eastern Washington
D'Juan Hines, LB, Houston
Cole Hunt, TE, TCU
Tevin Lawson, DE, Nicholls State
Ben Johnson, TE, Kansas
J.J. Jones, WR, West Georgia
Anthony Manzo-Lewis, FB, Albany
Detrez Newson, RB, Western Carolina
Steven Richardson, DT, Minnesota
Nic Shimonek, QB, Texas Tech
Trent Scott, OL, Grambling State
Kent Shelby, WR, McNeese State
Shane Tripucka, P, Texas A&M
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