Craig Mager NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Chargers Rookie

STRENGTHS

Craig Mager came on the scene at the East-West Shrine Game and held his own. Mager is physical and brings an intimidating presence to the field as a tackler. He has a nonstop motor and doesn't shy away from an assignment. He's been a four-year starter at Texas State with good production and shows the quickness and agility needed to cover in the NFL. Mager's deep speed is solid for recovery when you factor in his leaping ability and use of his size. He'll bring a punt return aspect to the field and can contribute on special teams immediately. He is at his best moving forward, where he's a devil once the ball is spotted, with excellent closing speed and plant-and-drive technique.

WEAKNESSES

Mager can be slow to process and often relied on athleticism and aggression against lower-tier talent. He's not been challenged enough by NFL-style offenses or talent. A lack of ideal deep speed will be a concern for teams running a man coverage defense, as he won't be a threat running long with the kind of speed he'll see in the pros. Mager can let his aggressiveness get the best of him and has to learn to play with less hands in coverage and rely more on instincts and technique. A move to safety may be possible.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles   Passes   Defended Interceptions
   63             10                     3

PRO COMPARISON: Jeremy Lane, Seattle Seahawks

Mager is flying under the radar currently, but he has big potential if a team is patient enough to let him mature as a player. He has the body type and upside of Jeremy Lane, which should excite scouts.

FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Quality Backup)