2014 San Diego Chargers NFL Draft Report Card and Player Analysis

How Did the San Diego Chargers Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?

The San Diego Chargers coming of a playoff berth and a 9-7 season. In my 2014 NFL Mock Draft I had them taking Louis Nix at NT. They chose a CB and I really can’t argue the pick because they had their board set-up to take the NT in the 4^th. Without a top prospect at WR, I don’t see San Diego equally last year’s record. I think they may finish the opposite at 7-9 instead of 9-7.

2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS

Jason Verrett CB, Texas Christian Round 1 Pick # 25

Filled their biggest need and Verrett is an exact match for the CB that fits into their schemes. As I wrote in my mock, Chargers biggest need was a CB. Can’t argue postponing a nose tackle draft and taking Jason Verrett. Excellent pick

Jeremiah Attaochu LB, Georgia Tech Round 2 Pick # 18

Moved up seven spots to draft this natural ability pass rusher. 6’3″ 250 lber with a great inside move, can also flash the edge, and an unstoppable motor makes this smart football player a huge draft pick. Adding some size will not take away from his raw ability so his upside is tremendous. Will be a great complement to Manti Te’o and should combine with their defensive line and secondary to present a very formidable defense. Things looking up in San Diego.

Chris Watt OG, Notre Dame Round 3 Pick # 25

Possible insurance policy if RG Jerome Clary walks when asked to take a pay cut so could easily be groomed to play Right Guard or get coached to play the Center position.

Ryan Carrethers NT, Arkansas State Round 5 Pick # 25

A monster of a physical specimen. Benched 36 times and squats 700 pounds. This guy is a beast. Has limited athletic ability and some of the worst times in any agility test. Will excel in the interior but heeds to find some speed to become a force in the NFL.

Marion Grice RB, Arizona State Round 16 Pick # 25

Will focus on taking passes in the flat and running to the outside of the edge. Could become an impact player as he has the heart to succeed and the desire to learn the position. Fits in well with Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead.

Tevin Reese WR, Baylor Round 7 Pick # 25

A project player that could be groomed to take kickoffs or work from the slot cause of his small size. Had some amazing Combine numbers for his stature and will be tough for anyone but the fastest corners to keep pace.

Analysis and overall draft grade

San Diego Chargers didn’t have a lot of room to make draft day trades either up or down. They did when they had to grabbing linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu. Always a problem finishing a season and barley and not making it past the first round, better off finishing 4-12 and getting a top pick. Lean draft year but they filled a couple of key positions that should make their defense one of the more rounded ones in the AFC.

Draft Grade: B+

First 4 players they drafted will have an immediate impact and fill their needs on the field. Was hoping they went after a more prolific WR as it is a position that is sorely needed if they are going to improve on their record.  I have faith in Coach McCoy to get it right.