San Diego Chargers 2012 NFL Draft and Offseason Review, Analysis, and Projections
The San Diego Chargers are coming off of yet another disappointing season, one in which they didn’t even make the playoffs. But, despite their faults the last few years, the team remains in-tact in terms of its brain trust, consisting of general manager A.J. Smith, head coach Norv Turner, and quarterback Philip Rivers. Those three guys have been there through thick and thin, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. Every year, it seems like these guys are on their last life (well, at least Smith and Turner) and every year they are given a vote of confidence.
That has appeared to pay off, at least for this offseason where the Chargers were extremely productive in my mind. The Chargers were able to add a ton of speed to the wide receiver position through free agency, and they brought in two key front seven defensive players in the first two rounds of the draft, guys who had no business being available with their respective picks.
This could very well be a ‘produce or get out’ year for the Chargers, but like I said, we pretty much say that every year. If they don’t get it done this year, though, I think there will be some changes, starting at the top. Fortunately, this Chargers team is always really talented and despite losing Vincent Jackson, I think this team actually got better as a whole at the receiver position and they have a much better defense on paper now than they did a year ago. Here is how the Chargers upgraded their roster through the draft and undrafted free agency:
- Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
- Kendall Reyes, DL, UConn
- Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
- Ladarius Green, TE, San Diego State
- Johnnie Troutman, OG, Penn State
- David Molk, C, Michigan
- Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan State
Undrafted Free Agents
Applachian State cornerback DeAndre Presley, Arizona State receiver Mike Willie, Arkansas cornerback Greg Gatson, Cal safety Sean Cattouse, Fresno State defensive end Logan Harrell, Houston running back Mike Hayes, LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee, Mississippi State guard Cordell Bell, Mississippi Valley State receiver Paul Cox, Montana guard/tackle Charles Burton, Oklahoma State receiver Hubert Anyiam, Rice punter Kyle Martens, South Carolina receiver Jason Barnes, Tennessee long snapper Nick Guess, Texas A&M defensive tackle Eddie Brown, UCF linebacker Josh Linam, UCLA guard/tackle Mike Harris, UCLA receiver Taylor Embree, UNLV receiver Phillip Payne, and USC defensive tackle Christian Tupou.
Best Undrafted Free Agent: Phillip Payne, WR, UNLV
I’m not exactly sure Payne was the best UDFA pickup by the Chargers, but it’s the name I’m most intrigued by. With the Chargers’ overall depth at receiver, I feel like Payne’s initial shot is going to come on the practice squad, but the Chargers have done a good job of developing some lesser known receivers into guys who can play, and I think Payne has some real skill that could translate to the NFL if he’s developed properly.
Scouting Report
“Phil (Payne) is probably our best player,” said UNLV (head coach) Hauck. “He’s obviously our top NFL prospect on the team. For him to have a big year for us would be a big deal for our team.” When the head coach of your football team flat out comes out and says you are the best prospect on the team, we should probably take notice. He’s got good size for an NFL receiver prospect at 6’3″, and I’m not sure what kind of deep speed he has, but he has done nothing but put up big numbers ever since he stepped on the field for the Rebels. He is essentially a unanimous first-team All Conference receiver after catching 19 touchdowns in 32 games for UNLV. Very good hands and has the ability to make the big play, averaging more than 17 yards per reception last season and more than 15 in his freshman year. I am excited to see if they can involve him even more in the offense so he can really get on the radar of NFL scouts.
Draft Class Recap/Analysis
1. Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Scouting Report
He’s a bit of a tweener who has good athleticism and he might even be able to play 34 OLB in some systems if a team is willing to coach him up to it, if not he’s going to be a rotational guy. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets any look at the 34 OLB because his arms are too short to play DE in most systems and he’s too small for defensive tackle. He’s a football player so he’ll be drafted high, but more questions than people think about where he fits. 34 OLB is likely his spot in the N.F.L
NFLmocks preseason bio
A bit of a tweener who is versatile enough to play defensive end and kick inside to play tackle on passing downs. With the arrival of top ranked recruit JaDaveon Clowney, he could move inside permanently this season. Last year, he really broke out as a pass rusher, with nine sacks on the season to go along with 11 more tackles for loss. His production came when he wasn’t even a starting defensive end, so we’ll see how productive he can be when given the chance to be an every down starter for the Gamecocks. Converted linebacker who has solid athletic ability, and one of the top performers on a very, very talented South Carolina front seven.
Pick Analysis
The Chargers HAD to improve their third down defense, and I think they effectively shored up that area with the pick of Melvin Ingram. I didn’t think there was any way he was going to make it past the New York Jets if he fell, but the Chargers were gifted with one of the most versatile players in the entire draft in Melvin Ingram. He is an excellent athlete who started his college career as a linebacker and moved to defensive end, but he’s done a lot of standing up and playing multiple positions. I think for the Chargers, if they can get Larry English healthy this could be a really improved area of their team with Jarret Johnson and Shaun Philips also on the roster.
2. Kendall Reyes, DL, Connecticut
Scouting Report
Pros:
Athletic with long arms…quick…does a good job of stacking and shedding the blocker to make plays in the run game…a good number of splash plays…Versatile and could fit in multiple fronts, but might be best suited to play the 5 technique…is a guy who has good instincts…does a terrific job of knocking footballs down with his long arms…some upside as a pass rusher (especially as a 43 DT)…a team captain who is reportedly has a terrific work ethic…has active hands…has been durable
Cons:
Needs to get a stronger base to be a really good 34 defensive end…needs to improve his pad level…doesn’t have great closing speed, which could limit him a bit as a pass rusher, though he has some upside there (could be good not great pass rusher, but needs to work on a few things to get there)…doesn’t have an array of pass rusher moves…he’s quick, but doesn’t always get off the snap quick…frame maxed out? He’s added over 50 pounds since high school
Thoughts:
Reyes is a tall, long athletic defensive linemen who has versatility in a 43 or 34 scheme. Reyes needs to play more consistent, whether that’s a conditioning issue or improving his overall technique. He offers upside because of his length and athleticism.
Round late 2nd to early 3rd
Was named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Rotary Lombardi Award…will serve as one of four teams captains this season…Was also a captain in his junior season…Has played in 37 games over the past three seasons with 29 starts…A preseason nominee for The Lott IMPACT Trophy – given to the national defensive player of the year.
Pick Analysis
Getting Reyes was pretty much like the Chargers getting an additional late first round pick. Reyes could have easily gone in the top 25 picks, and to get him at 49 is simply a steal. He is a big, athletic kid with some pass rush potential who also excels at stopping the run. Obviously there are some areas of his game that need to be worked on, but with Corey Liuget in the fold already and Vaughn Martin developing into a starter, Reyes could eventually take over at the other defensive end spot that Luis Castillo has manned for a few years now. Castillo’s health is also in question, and he was cut and brought back on a lesser contract. I think Reyes is a good fit for the Chargers and to cap off their first two picks with him in the fold is pretty impressive if you ask me.
Scouting Report
Slightly undersized but a rangy safety prospect who is a willing tackler but not a great one, and a guy who can make plays in the defensive backfield. Taylor might not be a high draft pick, but he is going to bring a lot of prowess to a team in terms of intangibles and ability to contribute in so many phases of the game. He is a safety by trade, but can also play cornerback if called upon and can contribute on special teams. He is going to need to bulk up a bit for the NFL, but he is the type of guy who can be a really valuable mid-late round pick for a team.
Solid but not great speed and good instincts at the safety position, I rarely see Taylor out of place when you watch his games back. Got beat badly in the open field a few times against Trent Richardson, which happens to almost everybody, but it indicates to me that he’s going to take some work and is likely better in coverage than he is breaking down and helping out the guys in front of him.
Smart player who was really productive in college and a durable guy last year, one of only three LSU players to start all 14 games defensively. I think he could potentially start at safety someday but he is going to take some breaking in, for sure.
Pick Analysis
The Chargers are relatively weak at the safety position outside of Eric Weddle, and you have to think that Taylor could start sooner rather than later in San Diego with only Atari Bigby standing in his way. Bigby is an OK player, but I think Taylor has better upside at this point. He will man the strong safety spot and spend some time in the box with Weddle’s playmaking ability on the back end. I think this was a decent pick by the Chargers, maybe just a bit of a reach, but getting a solid player off of a dominant defense is never a terrible idea.
4. Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
Scouting Report
Pros:
Big fluid athlete…can make plays down the field…can make defenders miss in the open field…makes highlight reel catches and does a good job of catching the ball at the highest point…high effort player
Cons:
Not strong at the point of attack or even a really aggressive blocker…really lean looks more like an oversized WR than he does a Tight end…small injury history…Really the big knocks on him are his blocking ability and the fact that he struggles to get off the line at times so he’s often at his best as a split out tight end…his dip in production this year will also be questioned
Pick Analysis
Green is an extremely athletic tight end/wide receiver prospect playing for a school that doesn’t get a ton of recognition as an NFL talent powerhouse, obviously. He is what they call a “height, weight, speed” guy but there is some substance to what Green brings to the table. I fear with San Diego, he is going to be an excellent weapon in the passing game. He is a big mismatch for linebackers and he has the ability to go up and get jump balls, as well as speed after the catch. This is the kind of pick that you hate as a fan of opposing teams, because the Chargers got great value and they upgraded a position that already features two solid weapons in Antonio Gates and Randy McMichael.
5. Johnnie Troutman, Offensive Guard, Penn State
Pick Analysis
Durable offensive lineman for the Nittany Lions over the last couple of years, Troutman was likely picked by the Chargers to provide depth to an area of the team that desperately needed it. He is a massive player at 6’4″ 325 pounds, and he can play a few interior line positions for San Diego. He is an intense player who plays with power, and I suspect he could be a starter in the future if necessary. Overall, he’s not an outstanding athlete but he’s very strong and was an Honorable Mention All Big Ten selection a year ago.
6. David Molk, Center, Michigan
Scouting Report (Nick Hlebichuk)
Molk is one of the best centers in all of college football. He is an extremely smart and gifted athlete, and has anchored the Michigan offensive line the past few seasons. While injuries are a slight concern with Molk, he has proven when healthy that he is an absolute monster.
Pick Analysis
If not for injuries, I think Molk would have been drafted much higher than this. If he can stay healthy, he has a future as a starter for the Chargers in some capacity. I like that the Chargers are channeling their inner Wolverine, and getting late round guys out of Michigan like Molk and last year’s sixth round pick Steve Schilling. These guys are very solid players and Molk specifically was considered arguably the top center prospect at one point or another during last year’s college football season. I think Molk will step in immediately as the backup center and could start as a rookie if he needed to.
7. Edwin Baker, Running Back, Michigan State
Scouting Report
As long as Edwin Baker has been at MSU he has been in a rotation. After his Sophomore year many felt he would take the next step forward. He has done the opposite. While he is blessed with power and speed he is far too often too tentative and does not always hit the hole with power. Because of that, as well as his lack of blocking and pass catching, he is still in a rotation. He will need to come back for his senior season and work on his craft. If he does he is a capable rotation running back who has good breakaway speed.
NFLmocks preseason bio
Very compact running back with a low center of gravity who rarely goes down on first contact. Is one of the more punishing runners in a very talented group at MSU, and is a guy who can make people miss in the open field. Not overly speedy, but he has a nose for the end zone. Averaged nearly 6 yards per carry last season as the Spartans’ primary back, and had 1,201 yards rushing to go along with 13 touchdowns on the ground. Only the sixth runner in school history to get over 1,000 yards in a single season. Was named first team All Big Ten by the media, honorable mention by the coaches, and 2nd team by Phil Steele. I am not so sure he will leave early this season, but it’s possible because MSU’s backfield could get crowded. Baker really stands out because of his ability in between the tackles, but you would like to see him get better in the passing game
Pick Analysis
Baker is going to have to play a lot as a rookie for the Chargers. Their running back depth is horrendous, and they could still add a veteran like Cedric Benson if they wanted to, but as of right now the only backs with experience on the roster outside of Ryan Mathews are Jacob Hester and Curtis Brinkley. Hester isn’t a guy who you’d think will take serious carries in this offense, and Brinkley showed some flashes last year, but I think Baker has the most upside at the running back position. He is a powerful kid who was a steal in the seventh round thanks to a ridiculously deep running back class, but I feel like he is going to have to contribute early on and develop quicker than expected.
Overall Draft Thoughts
This was a really productive draft for the Chargers. They used their first three picks to upgrade the defense, specifically their pass defense, and they were able to get a successor for Antonio Gates in the fourth round. They also added some much needed depth to the offensive line, and picked up a running back in Edwin Baker who should contribute right away as a rookie.
2012 Offseason Player Movement
Players Added
FB Jacob Hester (re-signed)
OT Brandyn Dombrowski (re-signed)
OT Mario Henderson
WR/KR Michael Spurlock (Buccaneers)
DL Luis Castillo (re-signed)
WR/KR Roscoe Parrish (Bills)
NT Antonio Garay (re-signed)
TE Randy McMichael (re-signed)
SS Atari Bigby (Packers)
QB Charlie Whitehurst (Seahawks)
WR/PR Eddie Royal (Broncos)
FB Le’Ron McClain (Chiefs)
DE/OLB Jarret Johnson (Ravens)
OT Jared Gaither (re-signed)
TE Kory Sperry (re-signed)
WR Robert Meachem (Saints)
C Nick Hardwick (re-signed)
TE Dante Rosario (Broncos)
Players Lost
DE/OLB Travis LaBoy (cut)
S DeAndre McDaniel (waived)
RB Mike Tolbert (Panthers)
QB Billy Volek (cut)
SS Steve Gregory (Patriots)
WR Vincent Jackson (Buccaneers)
CB Dante Hughes (cut)
OT Marcus McNeill (cut)
OL Kris Dielman (retired)
Projected Depth Chart (offense)
QB: Philip Rivers, Charlie Whitehurst, Jarrett Lee (R)
RB: Ryan Mathews, Curtis Brinkley, Edwin Baker (R), Jacob Hester
FB: Le’Ron McClain, Hester
WR1: Robert Meachem, Vincent Brown, Roscoe Parrish
WR2: Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal, Michael Spurlock
TE: Antonio Gates, Randy McMichael, Dante Rosario, Ladarius Green (R)
LT: Jared Gaither, Brandyn Dombrowski
LG: Tyronne Greene, Steve Schilling
C: Nick Hardwick, David Molk (R)
RG: Louis Vasquez, Johnnie Troutman (R)
RT: Jeromey Clary, Mario Henderson
Projected Depth Chart (defense)
DE: Corey Liuget, Jacques Cesaire
NT: Antonio Garay, Cam Thomas
DE: Vaughn Martin, Kendall Reyes (R), Luis Castillo
OLB: Shaun Phillips, Melvin Ingram (R), Antwan Barnes
ILB: Takeo Spikes, Jonas Mouton
ILB: Donald Butler, Demorrio Williams
OLB: Jarret Johnson, Larry English
CB: Quentin Jammer, Shareece Wright
FS: Eric Weddle, Corey Lynch
SS: Atari Bigby, Brandon Taylor, Darrell Stuckey
CB: Antoine Cason, Marcus Gilchrist
Special Teams
K: Nate Kaeding
P: Mike Scifres
LS: Mike Windt