San Diego Chargers: Complete 2015 NFL Draft Wrap-Up and Analysis

The San Diego Chargers closed the book on the 2015 draft without hitting the reset button. Philip Rivers was not traded, despite the rumors, but the Chargers did him a solid by giving him a new weapon on offense and a handful of hard-nosed defenders.

GM Tom Telesco endured weeks of questioning about a Rivers trade but managed to come out on top with his franchise quarterback still in place. He then turned his focus to the draft and put together another promising group of prospects.

Let's examine the catch of the past three days now that we've had a chance to look it over.

The Selections

Round 1

In fear of losing Gordon to the Houston Texans, San Diego moved up two spots from 17, parting with a fourth-round pick this year and a fifth-round pick in 2016. Picks well spent to nab a running back of his caliber.

Round 2

Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, Jon Beason—if Perryman is anything like the Miami linebackers before him, then the Chargers secured a future Pro Bowler for their defense.

Round 3

A physical press-man corner not afraid to come up and make the big hit, Mager is perceived as a player with plenty of upside but rough around the edges as it relates to technique and instincts in the passing game. 

Round 5

North Dakota State doesn't supply the NFL with a great deal of talent, but Emanuel was not hard to miss on the defensive side of the ball. His motor is relentless and probably the reason why he took home the top defensive honor in the FCS.

Round 6

Philon would have been better served with another year or two at Arkansas, but that's not to say he doesn't have talent. His get-off at the line will frustrate blockers and lead to chances in the backfield for a big play. 

Best Pick: Melvin Gordon

Running back was an obvious need going in, and the Chargers didn't settle for anything but the best with Gordon. He is an exciting player for this football team and well worth the price of a couple draft picks. When I see Gordon on tape, he immediately reminds me of Chiefs All-Pro Jamaal Charles and not because of the similar hairstyles and jersey numbers.

Like Charles, Gordon runs the ball with his pads level high and loses barely any speed when he changes direction. Charles may have the edge in a foot race, but Gordon is fast enough in those first 20 or so yards to get separation at the second level. His outstanding vision is also worth noting. He has the patience to wait for openings to develop and the presence of mind to look for cut-back lanes. 

I don't see a whole lot wrong with this pick, as it helps the offense in a big way. Gordon takes some of the pressure off Philip Rivers to throw the ball 30-40 times a game, and he can be used in a variety of looks by second-year offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Gordon has the speed and elusiveness to bounce it outside along with the toughness to go between the tackles and pick up positive yardage.

Grade: A

Worst Pick: Craig Mager

Mager's value in the third round is purely based on upside. That's not a knock on him as a player, but it seems like the Chargers could have gotten him in the later rounds. Do I see potential with him? Absolutely. What's not to like about a guy who can run in the 4.4's and hit like a downhill-safety, but it strikes me as odd that after signing two veteran corners in free agency and spending a first-round pick on a corner last year, that San Diego would feel the need to invest so highly at a position that was seen as a strength leading into the draft.

I like who Mager is and the way he plays close to the line of scrimmage, but he can can get overly aggressive and lose sight of his man. Just watch him against Navy and you'll see what I'm talking about. Even Mager didn't think he was going to get drafted until Day 3, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune revealed.

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Chargers CB Craig Mager was drafted Friday in 3rd round. He expected to go today in 5th. Family, friends having party today without him.

— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) May 2, 2015"

Grade: C

What the Experts Are Saying

Doug McSchooler/Associated Press

NFL media draft analyst Mike Mayock on Gordon:

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I really like this kid. He lights up the room. He has special talent and ability. He catches the football well out of the backfield. When you watch him run in tight areas, that is what differentiates him. Gordon changes the whole balance of the Chargers' offense now. Philip Rivers will get better also.

"

My take: Gordon makes everyone better, from Rivers all the way down to the offensive line.

Mayock on Perryman:

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You can say he's too small or too slow. When I watch him play, I see Jonathan Vilma and Jon Beason. I see those great Miami inside linebackers. He makes plays sideline to sideline. Perryman is a thumper and will be an asset.

"

My take: Perryman sends a message with every hit. He's like a blow to the body, chipping away at the confidence of the offense.

NFL media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah on Mager:

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This is a player you started to hear more of late in the draft process. But, he's as raw as raw can be. He's very physical and very aggressive, and he can run. Those are qualities you can work with.

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My take: Secondary coach Ron Milus has prior experience working with aggressive defensive backs. Take third-year pro Jahleel Addae for example.

NFL media draft analyst Mark Dulgerian on Emanuel:

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In their continued search for an impact edge linebacker, San Diego adds Emanuel who was highly productive at the FCS level. Despite dominating against small school competition, Emanuel has flashed the type of burst and explosiveness that translates to the NFL level. 

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My take: With any luck, Emanuel will turn out like fellow small-school competitor and Colts all-time sacks leader Robert Mathis—he too was taken in the fifth round.

Dulgerian on Philon:

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San Diego has their work ahead of them with Philon, who entered the draft as a redshirt sophomore and underdeveloped physically. However, he has considerable upside as an athletic one-gap penetrator if he continues to mature into his body.

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My take: Philon's uphill battle begins in the weight room, where he'll need to add mass if he plans to play inside at the next level.

What's Left to Address?

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers used four of their five picks on defense, failing to address the offensive line as one of their needs. But despite giving up 36 sacks last season, Telesco feels the group in place is better than what some might think, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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Tom Telesco said #Chargers OL is better than outsiders think. Safe statement, actually. Last we saw, Philip Rivers was being sacked 7 times.

— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) May 3, 2015"

Right guard seemed destined to receive an upgrade through the draft, but Johnnie Troutman remains the starter, at least for now. Right tackle D.J. Fluker is also safe, but competition in training camp could change that.

Final Grade

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

All in all, not a bad haul for Telesco's third rodeo. He sought out depth in Rounds 2-3 and drafted an impact player in the first round. In comparison to the previous two drafts, this one might rank third for now. Until we actually get a chance to see the players perform, it's difficult to determine the rank for this group. But in terms of maneuvering the draft and finding value, Telesco didn't veer too far off from the course.

Grade: B-