https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-draft-class-takeaways-players-positions/

Gavino Borquez
May 1, 2023 11:44 am PT

General manager Tom Telesco, head coach Brandon Staley and company knew
that the 2023 NFL draft was a crucial part of their roster
reconstruction after a steady approach in free agency.

For the most part, they accomplished that by landing impactful players
and some that should be key pieces of the team down the road.

With that, here are five takeaways from Los Angeles’ haul.

No longer a need for speed

One of the biggest needs for the Chargers entering the draft was speed
at the wide receiver position. They accomplished that from the get-go in
the first round with Quentin Johnston. Johnston not only adds the
vertical speed needed, but he provides the positional room with a
yards-after-the-catch monster. I can’t wait to see what Kellen Moore
schemes up for him in Year 1.

After getting Johnston, Los Angeles needed a return specialist following
the departure of DeAndre Carter. They found him in Johnston’s fellow
teammate at TCU, Derius Davis. Davis was the most productive returner in
college football, finishing with six return touchdowns. A big reason for
his success? SPEED. A 4.39 40, which was the fastest at the combine.

2. More pressure, more diamonds

The Chargers needed depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. After a run
on some of the top edge defenders in the second round, I thought it
would be slim pickings for them. Instead, they snagged a 2022
All-American who finished with the most sacks in the FBS in 2022 (13.5).

Tuli Tulipotulu has the upfield explosion, heavy and determined hands,
lateral agility and rush instincts to avoid blockers, which should see
him have success as a designated pass rusher early on, whether that be
off the edge or from the inside to be a mismatch against guards.

For a unit that struggled to get after the quarterback when Bosa missed
most of last season with a groin injury, Tulipotulu should aid that
department and also contribute against the run on the perimeter,
something Los Angeles also had trouble having much success in 2022.

3. Building out the depth

I already mentioned Tulipotulu as a good depth piece. But Telesco and
Staley also made the point to solidify it at other spots that were
needed heading into the draft, starting with Daiyan Henley.

Henley replaced Troy Reeder, who signed with the Vikings in free agency.
Reeder was a core special teamer, which will be the same role that
Henley should carve out from the start. In the case of an injury to
either starter, Eric Kendricks or Kenneth Murray, Henley has the skill
set to fill in.

Two later, the Chargers continued the bolstering of the offensive line
with the selection of Jordan McFadden, the fifth-round pick. McFadden
has the position versatility to play across the line and he should come
in and compete for the swing guard spot with Brenden Jaimes.

In the sixth round, Los Angeles upgraded the depth of the interior part
of the defensive line with Scott Matlock. They needed more pass-rush
juice from the inside aside from just Morgan Fox, which Matlock should
supply. He is also capable as a run defender.

4. The decision on Duggan

Heading into the last round, I thought the Chargers would use that pick
on a defensive back. But instead, they took another TCU player, Max
Duggan, which caused a puzzling reaction on social media from the fanbase.

While I don’t necessarily agree with their decision and would have much
rather signed an undrafted free agent, Los Angeles has carried three
quarterbacks on the active roster eight out of the ten seasons that
Telesco has been the general manager.

The team met with Duggan during the pre-draft process, and after the
draft, Staley heaped praise on him, citing him as a “winner” and
highlighting his intangibles and production.

Easton Stick will be the backup entering training camp and Duggan will
push him for the spot.

5. Still some work to be done

Overall, the Chargers had a great draft, getting instant contributors
and solid depth pieces at positions of need. However, they walked away
with a few spots on the depth chart that will hopefully be addressed.

Tight end was the biggest surprise they did not get, especially with
this being the deepest the position has been in quite some time. But
Staley said after the draft that the way the board fell, the timing
wasn’t right for them and the value didn’t match when they were picking.

Now Los Angeles is in the market for a tight end, particularly one whose
strength is blocking, something the team failed to get out of those at
the position last season. If not, they’re banking on a leap from
third-year Tre’ McKitty and Donald Parham to stay healthy after a couple
of injuries.

Beyond that, the backend of the defense still needs some re-tooling. At
corner, J.C. Jackson is still rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon and
the timeline for his return is unknown. Asante Samuel Jr. struggled
against the run in 2022. There is no one in the slot aside from Ja’Sir
Taylor.

At safety, Alohi Gilman is slated to start next to Derwin James. The
team is hoping for major improvement from second-year JT Woods. Woods
struggled as a tackler in the limited defensive snaps he played and was
a non-factor defensively in his rookie campaign.

In news:kbdbq6Fqgl4U1@mid.individual.net, Robin Miller
<robin.miller@invalid.invalid> typed:

> https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-draft-class-takeaways-players-positions/

> Gavino Borquez...

I am convinced that one of the first professions to be eliminated by ChatAI will
be that of "Sportswriter."

On Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 8:19:57 AM UTC-7, max headroom wrote:
> In news:kbdbq6...@mid.individual.net, Robin Miller
> <robin....@invalid.invalid> typed:
>
> > https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-draft-class-takeaways-players-positions/
>
> > Gavino Borquez...
>
> I am convinced that one of the first professions to be eliminated by ChatAI will
> be that of "Sportswriter."

Write your own draft class evaluation:
1st round pick: This player was a bit of a surprise pick, but he was the team's target from early in the process. They were thrilled to see him fall to them.
2nd round pick: This player fell to the second round because of questions in one aspect, but has elite athleticism and a good chance to make an immediate impact.
3rd round pick: This player is coming off an injury but showed first round production during the games they did play. Great value pick in this spot.
4th round pick: This player might have been a reach, but has dynamic playmaking potential and should be a good replacement for the departed free agent at their position.
5th round pick: This player is undersized and may not have a well defined position in the NFL, but the coaches love his heart.
6th round pick: This player adds depth at a key position, a bit of a project but should develop into a capable backup with the new position coach and can contribute immediately on special teams.
7th round pick: Sure, this isn't a position of need, but this player has a winning attitude and will get a chance to compete in training camp.

Michael

In news:0b5c97a0-9089-4537-b9ed-dc1317ff4a76n@googlegroups.com, phlash74
<phlash74@msn.com> typed:

> On Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 8:19:57?AM UTC-7, max headroom wrote:
>> In news:kbdbq6...@mid.individual.net, Robin Miller
>> <robin....@invalid.invalid> typed:

>>> https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-draft-class-takeaways-players-positions/

>>> Gavino Borquez...

>> I am convinced that one of the first professions to be eliminated by ChatAI
>> will be that of "Sportswriter."

> Write your own draft class evaluation:
> 1st round pick: This player was a bit of a surprise pick, but he was the
> team's target from early in the process. They were thrilled to see him fall
> to them.
> 2nd round pick: This player fell to the second round because of questions in
> one aspect, but has elite athleticism and a good chance to make an immediate
> impact.
> 3rd round pick: This player is coming off an injury but showed first round
> production during the games they did play. Great value pick in this spot.
> 4th round pick: This player might have been a reach, but has dynamic
> playmaking potential and should be a good replacement for the departed free
> agent at their position.
> 5th round pick: This player is undersized and may not have a well defined
> position in the NFL, but the coaches love his heart.
> 6th round pick: This player adds depth at a key position, a bit of a project
> but should develop into a capable backup with the new position coach and can
> contribute immediately on special teams.
> 7th round pick: Sure, this isn't a position of need, but this player has a
> winning attitude and will get a chance to compete in training camp.

> Michael

Not perfect, but damn close.