Los Angeles Chargers’ 2018 rookie class among top-10 in NFL

The Chargers’ interest has been shifted toward the 2019 NFL draft, but it’s constantly satisfactory to appear at the past to see how they fared with their picks and how they executed in last year’s draft. General supervisor Tom Telesco had the concept of shifting the interest toward the defensive aspect of the ball, and he nailed it.

Los Angeles kicked off the function by having a steal with safety Derwin James in the to start with-spherical. James showcased a dynamic skillset and for his efforts, he landed numerous accolades alongside with a excursion to the Pro Bowl. They then drafted 3 other defensive players in rounds two as a result of four.

Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu barely saw the subject, but shown the means to rush the passer at a significant level. Defensive deal with Justin Jones did not present up until eventually late, but was promising with the absence of Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget. LB Kyzir White skipped most of the year, but has the makings of the setting up WILL in 2019.

They did not find several gems in the late rounds, but they acquired the most from seventh-spherical choice working back again Justin Jackson and undrafted cost-free agent kicker Michael Badgley.

As a final result, the Chargers’ 2018 draft course was rated No. 7 in football by NFL Media’s Jeremy Bergman and Nick Shook. Los Angeles obtained a quality of B+.

Right here is what they had to say about the picks:

This draft course was stocked with instant contributors, with James landing All-Pro honors as a rookie in a loaded defensive backfield, creating performs all around the subject. Nwosu was quietly a single of the much better edge-defending rookies, creating timely performs for the Chargers, and he has a vivid upcoming. Jones’ most effective activity came in the playoffs, and he carries plenty of promise going forward. White transitioned to linebacker and served Los Angeles’ protection right after it lost Jatavis Brown to damage. Quessenberry was a depth player with place for advancement. Cantrell put in the vast majority of the year on the follow squad, but Jackson became of use in essential game titles late (due to an damage to Melvin Gordon) and did a stable work. Badgley was a revelation for a staff burned by negative kickers in new several years.

The upcoming is vivid for the 2018 draft course, and with any luck , the entrance business office carries that success into the 2019 NFL draft this future April.