Chargers Mock Draft: Instant Contributors San Diego Can Find in Every Round
If history has taught us anything about the NFL draft, it's that instant contributors can come from anywhere.
But in the case of the San Diego Chargers, who have just six selections as opposed to the standard seven picks, the odds of finding that next gem have been slightly diminished. Still, that won't change the philosophy of general manager Tom Telesco, who considers the draft the "lifeblood" of a franchise. If it's meant to be, every pick will serve a purpose.
This mock draft features six players who would be able to contribute from Day 1, whether it be as a starter, rotational player or on special teams.
Round 1, Pick No. 17
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The Pick: Malcom Brown, DT
If we're talking about players who could contribute right away, Todd Gurley may not be one of them.
According to Dr. James Andrews (via ESPN's Chris Mortensen), who performed ACL surgery on the Georgia running back last November, Gurley is six weeks ahead of schedule with his recovery and is estimated to return in 6-9 months. At the very latest, Gurley could be looking at a return in mid-August, when teams will be in the thick of training camp. He'll be behind, but not by much.
Brown, on the other hand, will be ready from the word "go." A consensus first team All-American at Texas in his junior year, Brown led the Longhorns in tackles for loss (15) and sacks (6.5), and was named a finalist for the Outland and Bronko Nagurski Trophies.
If selected 17th overall by the Chargers, Brown's odds of winning a starting job on the defensive line are high. Kendall Reyes and Sean Lissemore were unimpressive last season, and fifth-round pick Ryan Carrethers failed to capitalize, playing in just six games his rookie year. Corey Liuget, meanwhile, is on the cusp of reaching his Pro Bowl potential, but the lack of a supporting cast is working against him.
Round 2, Pick No. 48
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The Pick: Jay Ajayi, RB
Boise State running back Jay Ajayi had representatives from 20 teams attend his pro day on March 18, according to NFL media senior analyst Gil Brandt, and Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson was among them.
This past year, Ajayi became the only player in FBS history to accumulate 1,800 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season, and his workload was second to none, having led the nation with 347 rushing attempts.
Of the second-tier running backs in this draft, Ajayi may be the most complete. The Chargers will come to appreciate his physical, downhill running style above all else, but he offers them yet another pass-catching option out of the backfield.
Round 3, Pick No. 83
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The Pick: Daryl Williams, OL
Telesco confirmed in February that the club intends to keep third-year pro D.J. Fluker at right tackle, albeit with some inconsistencies in pass protection:
"We think he has the ability to probably play a couple different spots, but right now, the plan is to leave him out there. He was uneven at times early in the year, not so much physical wise, but more technique. But he had some games late in the year that showed exactly what he can do, and that's pass protect on the right side.
We know he's a great run blocker. He can move people and he's got great effort getting out to the second level. His enthusiasm in the run game, you can see that on tape and can see that live. In pass protection, he can do it out there. There's no doubt.
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And Fluker himself is doing everything in his power to improve during the offseason. The former 2013 first-round pick has been chronicling workouts via his Instagram account, and some nifty footwork was on display during a training session with NFL hopeful Arie Kouandjio:
In any case, the Chargers still need to address the right side of the offensive line, even if Fluker does have a better grasp on pass protection next season. Johnnie Troutman is penciled in as the starting right guard for 2015 despite garnering the worst grade at his position, according to Pro Football Focus.
Daryl Williams started every game at right tackle for Oklahoma last season and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors for Offensive Lineman of the Year. The scouts rave about his raw power, but Williams is limited athletically and may be better suited to play guard at the next level. A Fluker-Williams pairing could be just what the Chargers need to get the run game going again.
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Round 4, Pick No. 117
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The Pick: Kyle Emanuel, Edge-Rusher
The small-school prospects are tough to evaluate given the inferior competition they face, but every now and then teams hit it big. The Chargers had it happen in 2005 with their second-round selection, a guy by the name of Vincent Jackson from Northern Colorado who later attended three Pro Bowls.
This year's stud might be North Dakota State pass-rusher Kyle Emanuel, whose trophy case includes Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year and the Buck Buchanan Award.
Emanuel flat out dominated the FCS in his senior year, racking up 19.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss. His combination of quick feet and a relentless motor often translated into a busy afternoon for blockers. And for those questioning the legitimacy of a pass-rusher from the FCS, Robert Mathis, the all-time sacks leader of the Indianapolis Colts, was a product of Alabama A&M who was taken in the fifth round of the 2003 draft.
Emanuel is no sure thing, and he'll need to be groomed by new linebackers coach Mike Nolan. Having spent his entire career at defensive end with a hand in the ground, Emanuel will have to adjust his game to fit in as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Round 5, Pick No. 153
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The Pick: Vince Mayle, WR
The spread offense installed at Washington State by head coach Mike Leach definitely caters to receivers, and Vince Mayle was the supreme beneficiary last year with 106 receptions and 1,483 receiving yards. It also didn't hurt that Mayle had an above-average passer in Connor Halliday getting him the ball more often than not. Even when Halliday was lost for the year following a devastating leg injury, Mayle still managed to produce with freshman backup Luke Falk at the helm.
What the scouts want to see, though, is if Mayle's success was simply a product of the scheme he played in. A basketball background helps, and he has good size for the position (6'2", 224 pounds).
The Chargers don't have an immediate need at receiver given the additions of Jacoby Jones and Stevie Johnson in free agency, but Mayle's time could come soon with Malcom Floyd in a contract year. San Diego has already shown interest in the Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, having met up with him at the Senior Bowl, according to NFL.com reports.
Round 6, Pick No. 191
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The Pick: Tyler Varga, RB
Traditional fullbacks are a dying breed in the NFL, as some teams have gone away from the position altogether. San Diego has had a different fullback in each of the last two seasons, and both played rather sparingly in Mike McCoy's offense. In 2014, David Johnson received 168 snaps on offense for the Chargers. His only stat—one reception for four yards.
Meanwhile, some clubs have made an effort to get their fullbacks more involved. The Green Bay Packers look to John Kuhn near the goal line when they need to get one across, and the Baltimore Ravens like the hands of second-year pro Kyle Juszczyk, who caught 19 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown last season.
Kuhn has two Pro Bowls under his belt, and Juszczyk may have garnered a shot as an alternate this past year had it not been for Marcel Reece of the Oakland Raiders—another fullback who sees a lot of work on offense.
Yale bruiser Tyler Varga rushed for over 1,400 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2014. He added four more as a receiver and was named the Bushnell Cup Winner (given to the Offensive MVP of the Ivy League).
Born of bodybuilding parents, Varga sports a chiseled physique in a compact 5'11", 222-pound frame, which some scouts believe has fullback potential. When asked to play some fullback at the Senior Bowl, Varga obliged and finished the game with two touchdown runs. The Chargers could utilize Varga as a hybrid running back on offense and get him involved at the goal line, where they struggled in 2014.
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