Analysts and fans are justifying the team’s picks based on value throughout the draft. Did they get a steal? Was it about right? Did they reach?
So we will look at the Chargers’ selections and how they stacked up with other draft analysts’ big boards.
CBS Sports: NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
Round 1, No. 21, WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
Draft Wire: 31
PFF: 25
Daniel Jeremiah: 30
CBS Sports: 15
Dane Brugler: 34
Todd McShay: 29
Mel Kiper Jr.: 29
Johnston was taken a little bit before most analysts had him on their big boards. While he boasts a rare athletic ability and size combo, Johnston is still raw in terms of route running and he dealt with drops in college, which could have pushed him down rankings. The Chargers have a plan to cater his strengths and big-play potential while honing in on the finer details at the position.
Round 2, No. 54, EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Draft Wire: 52
PFF: 52
Daniel Jeremiah: 65
CBS Sports: 60
Dane Brugler: 75
Todd McShay: 81
Mel Kiper Jr.: 83
Tulipolutu had been pegged as a second-rounder throughout the pre-draft process, and the rankings seem to also think so. He is still young at just 20 years of age, but Tulipolutu has a solid foundation with the pass-rush instincts, power, effort and versatility to play inside and outside to make an impact early in his pro career.
Round 3, No. 85, LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
Draft Wire: 28
PFF: 59
Daniel Jeremiah: 76
CBS Sports: 47
Dane Brugler: 65
Todd McShay: 75
Mel Kiper Jr.: 70
I thought the Chargers got a steal with Henley in the third round. Most rankings had him as a second-round value. The reason for him being available at pick No. 85 could be that he will turn 24 years old during his rookie season and he’s only been playing linebacker for three years. But Henley’s tape shows a player that looks like he’s been playing the position for longer, with his play speed, diagnosis and tackling skills.
Round 4, No. 125, WR Derius Davis, TCU
Draft Wire: N/A
PFF: N/A
Daniel Jeremiah: N/A
CBS Sports: 306
Dane Brugler: 254
Todd McShay: 268
Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A
Davis was not even close to being one of the top receivers available when the Chargers were picking. But they felt like the return specialist void left by DeAndre Carter was significant. Like Isaiah McKenzie, who was selected in the fifth round by the Broncos in 2017, Davis didn’t produce much as a receiver in college and there is an apparent size deficiency. Still, the rare speed and elite return skills got them drafted earlier than expected.
Round 5, No. 156, OL Jordan McFadden, Clemson
Draft Wire: 72
PFF: 170
Daniel Jeremiah: N/A
CBS Sports: 272
Dane Brugler: 140
Todd McShay: 239
Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A
The rankings for McFadden were all over the place, with one outlet seeing him as a third-round value and others having him as a seventh-rounder. This is very similar to Jamaree Salyer, who went in the sixth round, as McFadden is going to convert to a guard with the ability to play tackle in a pinch. And with his skill set, he has the potential to outplay his draft position and be a solid starter.
Round 6, No. 200, DL Scott Matlock, Boise State
Draft Wire: N/A
PFF: N/A
Daniel Jeremiah: 110
CBS Sports: 222
Dane Brugler: 285
Todd McShay: 121
Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A
Matlock started to generate buzz towards the end of the pre-draft process and was pegged to some as an early Day 3 pick. His numbers at Boise State are nothing to write home about, but Matlock has eye-popping athleticism and a baseline of skills that should allow him to make the roster and contribute in a rotational role.
Round 7, No. 239, QB Max Duggan, TCU
Draft Wire: N/A
PFF: N/A
Daniel Jeremiah: N/A
CBS Sports: 330
Dane Brugler: 258
Todd McShay: 286
Mel Kiper Jr.: N/A
Duggan was not higher than a seventh-round selection on nearly all analysts’ boards. He has all the intangibles in the world and was productive in college, but Duggan’s below-average size and limitations as a passer were why he didn’t grade out highly.