#rookieclass

Picks

1st Round (3)- Joey Bosa, DE Ohio State

Analysis- Solid rusher off the edge. Relies heavily on a strong hands and a unique bullrush. Does not the possess the speed desired to play in a 3-4 scheme, but that is only from a pure edge stand point. He can do it, but he is no Von Miller at it. Great run stopper and is very versatile. Pagano can play him anywhere on the field if he wants. Tons of upside with Bosa. He may not have elite speed, but everything is top notch. He’s a fast moving sports car that runs on 87 grade fuel. Not 91 grade but hell, whats the difference anyways

2nd Round (35)- Hunter Henry, TE Arkansas

Analysis- With the loss of Green and Gates getting long in the tooth, the Chargers snagged the best tight end of this year’s class. Solid in all aspects of the game- blocking, catching, and route running. Only weakness is blocking so far. Not what the Chargers are asking him to do though, they want him to catch fades and seven routes over outside linebackers and safeties.  

3rd Round (66)- Max Tuerk, C USC

Analysis- One of the better centers in this year’s draft. Will be an eventual starter for this team. For now, brings added depth to the offensive line. Will need to bulk up to be an every down player in the NFL. Has played in all five positions during his tenure as a Trojan.

4th Round (102)- Josh Perry, ILB Ohio State

Analysis-  Perry is a well-rounded inside linebacker with tone-setting capabilities versus the run. He also brings some value as a blitzing weapon if they keep him on the field on 3rd downs. Not a major need for the Chargers, but Perry adds strong competition to their linebacker unit early

5th Round (175)- Jatavis Brown, OLB Akron

Analysis- Special Teamer for now. Brown is very athletic for a 2nd level defender. A “tweener” because of lack of size. This though allows him to be a perfect cover linebacker.

6th Round (179)- Drew Kaser, P Texas A&M

Analysis- Veteran Charger punter Mike Scifres is entering a contract year after posting a disappointing 38.2 yard net avg last season. Kaser has a booming leg and broke Shane Lechler's single season punt average twice during his career. The Chargers punting game should be in good hands

6th Round (198)- Derek Watt, FB Wisconsin

Analysis- Melvin Gordon gets his college fullback for his professional career. The two shared the same Badger backfield during this tenures at Camp Randall.  The Chargers could utilize more two-back sets to get Gordon more comfortable in the run game. Watt also has soft hands, making him a great receiving threat out of the backfield.

7th Round (224)- Donovan Clark, OL Michigan State

Analysis- Probably will be nothing more then a camp clinger. Chargers need offensive line help, so he could make the roster.

Grade- B

Picks

1st Round (26)- Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis

Analysis- A “toolsy” quarterback with an elite arm and  athleticism. Never been in a huddle, never took a seven step or five step dropback, and he’s never been under center. Safe to say he a bit of project.  With that said, has highest ceiling then any other quarterback taken in the draft. Without a doubt, he’s a franchise quarterback. Not a high Wonderlic test score, but high football IQ. Can carve up a defense and throws well into a blitz. Great pick but he needs to hold a clip board for a year or two. 

2nd Round (63)- Adam Gotsis, DT Georgia Tech

Analysis- Bit of a reach here. Not many draft analysts gave this guy higher then a third round value. Mainly due to an ACL injury he sustained in late October. High motor guy with relentless power. Supreme inside talent from the three technique which is eye-popping considering he’s only played American football for six years. Broncos love him and think they can develop him to be like Derek Wolfe. 

3rd Round (98)- Justin Simmons, DB Boston College

Analysis- Played on the best defensive unit in the country at Boston College. Plug in the Notre Dame tape. Shut down first round draft pick Will Fuller and forced the Irish into four redzone turnovers. Astronomical numbers at the combine. Huge steal here for Denver.

4th Round (136)- Devontae Booker, RB Utah

Analysis- Perhaps the best back in the draft behind Elliot. Good bargain bag pick. Denver valued Booker high. Saw him as a first round talent if Lynch was gone by the time they drafted at 31. Downhill, one cut runner who avoided first contact on nearly 31 percent of his rushes in college- a CFB best. Great fit for Denver, gives them a solid 1-2 punch. He will get carries early and often.

5th Round (144)- Connor McGovern, OL Missouri

Analysis-He’s a weight room warrior. Squated nearly 700 pounds in college and tore a bicep muscle benching nearly six bills. Versatile OL who played OT and OG. Poor movement skills due to muscular frame, best tailored to play on the inside. Added depth considering Denver traditionally only suits up seven lineman on game day. 

6th Round (176)- Andy Janovich, FB Nebraska

Analysis- Back to the two-back set in Denver. Quality lead blocker and will be a special team player. Not a bad ball carrier, but he will hardly ever tout the rock

6th Round (219)- Will Parks, DB Arizona

Analysis- Has enough talent to make the roster. Could see a role as a nickle back. He will be a special team player. 

7th Round (228)- Riley Dixon, P Syracuse 

Analysis- Competition for  Britton Colquit who had a solid post season but a terrible regular season in 2015. One of the best punters a few years ago but contract does not match production. Denver has brought in potential replacements for Colquit for three straight years. Could make the team, but I would roll with the veteran

Grade- B+