2011 NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers Possible Draft Day Targets
Amidst everything that the San Diego Chargers are going through in hopes for a new stadium, they still have to take care of priorities. In less than a month, the Chargers will be on the clock with the 18th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Chargers have high hopes for this year and a solid draft is where it begins. The Bolts have had to deal with "off the field" issues over the last season and it's unfortunately taken the teams focus away from bringing a first ever NFL championship to the city of San Diego.
Now that the past is behind them, it's time to be in the moment and plan for the future. The Chargers have six total picks in the 2011 NFL draft, and they plan on using them wisely.
With that being said, let's take a look at some possible future San Diego Chargers. Here's a list of ten possible candidates.
12. (Marvin Austin Defensive Tackle, North Carolina)
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Stats: Austin had 103 career tackles at North Carolina. He forced one fumble, nine sacks, and had one interception that he returned for a 23 yard touchdown.
Scouting Report: Austin is an ideal size for a defensive lineman at 6 foot 3, 305 pounds. At his pro day on March 31st, Austin put up 225 pounds 38 times, ran a 4.84 forty-yard dash, and posted a vertical jump of 30 and a half. There is no doubt that Austin is ready for the next level. His strength, speed, and lateral quickness is what separates him from most defensive tackles.
Why the Chargers need him: The Chargers have had a very unstable defensive line over the last couple years. They have a tremendous amount of talent on the defensive line, but could certainly bring in a guy like Austin to help with the rotation. Marvin plays with a chip on his shoulder and the Chargers could certainly use a couple more guys like that.
Prediction: If San Diego were to go after Austin, they would most likely take him second round with the 50th overall pick in the draft.
11. (Leonard Hankerson Wide Receiver, Miami)
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Stats: Hankerson reeled in 134 total receptions for over 2,100 yards and a total of 22 touchdowns in his career at the University of Miami. In the 2010 season alone, Leonard had 72 receptions on 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Scouting Report: Hankerson is 6 foot 2, 209 pounds and ran a 4.40 at the combine. He has a vertical jump of 36, a 4.21 shuttle, and put up 225 pounds 14 times. He led Miami in receiving yards and was the team leader his senior year with 13 touchdowns. He has Anquan Boldin type strength, and isn't afraid to catch a pass anywhere on the football field. He's got a burning desire to win, and has shown at the U that he can put the team on his shoulders and come up with a big time catch in a big time spot. Hankerson has some growing to do, but his 206 pound frame combined with his 4.40 speed has teams extremely interested in him.
Why the Chargers need him: San Diego has had a ton of inconsistency at the wide receiver position as of late. Vincent Jackson has had off the field issues, Legadu Naanee has had off the field issues, and Buster Davis has yet to emerge. Even though Philip Rivers could move the football if I was running routes for the Chargers, it doesn't mean it's not smart to invest in another receiver. Hankerson would bring a certain toughness to the offensive core in San Diego that only a select few have.
Prediction: It be a huge acquisition if the Chargers could nab Hankerson in the second round. He's a top five receiver, but there's not too many teams in need of one so he'll probably fall. Plus, Leonard's transition from Miami to San Diego requires no new wardrobe. Win, win.
10. (Nate Solder Offensive Tackle, Colorado)
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Stats: Solder played all 847 snaps in his senior year for the Buffaloes. He graded a 94.3 percent in 2010 and had a team high 142 knockdowns including 18 knockdowns on three separate occasions. He had 10 touchdown blocks, and allowed just one quarterback sack all season long.
Scouting Report: Solder is a beast at 6 foot 8, 319 pounds. He had an impressive combine finishing top ten in the 10-yard split at 1.62. He also had the fastest 40 yard dash at 5.05 among all offensive lineman who attended the combine. Nate is known for his strength, durability, and explosiveness from the offensive tackle position.
He's received first team All-Big 12 Conference honors, as well as receiving All-American Honors from ESPN.
Why the Chargers need him: San Diego had some difficulties last season allowing defenses to collapse in the pocket on Philip Rivers. The Chargers gave up 38 sacks in the 2010 season, and Solder gave up one with Colorado. If Philip Rivers is going to lead the league in passing yards again, he's going to need time in the pocket. Drafting Solder tells Rivers and San Diego Charger fans that taking care of our franchise quarterback is essential to the teams success.
Prediction: Solder is a hot commodity so the Chargers will probably have to take him 18th overall.
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9. (Ahmad Black Strong Safety, Florida)
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Stats: Ahmad had 227 career tackles, 13 interceptions, and two forced fumbles in his four year career in Gainesville.
Scouting Report: Ahmad is 5 foot 9, and 184 pounds. He ran a 4.70 forty, a 4.20 20 yard shuttle, and recorded a vertical jump of 35 and a half at the combine. Black couldn't have ended his career any better receiving the MVP award in the 2011 Outback Bowl after a game sealing interception. He's certainly not the most gifted safety in the draft, but he's proved to be opportunistic and that's a huge plus. Black is a fundamental tackler with big hit ability. He's got excellent hands, and has an extremely high football IQ.
Why the Chargers need him: Black is one of those players that every coach loves to have on his team. He's an inspiration, a leader, and a playmaker. Ahmad always seems to be in the right place at the right time and the Chargers really need an opportunistic defender. With Bob Sanders set to start the season at Free Safety, Black could really learn a lot behind Weddle, and maybe even find a role as a nickel back.
Prediction: Black will fall to the mid-late rounds. The Chargers have a 6th round pick, and two third round picks. If they're going to go Safety, Black is a right call at any of those three opportunities to take him.
8. (Casey Matthews Linebacker, Oregon)
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Stats: Matthews had 229 career tackles, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and nine sacks as an Oregon Duck.
Scouting Report: Casey is 6 foot 1, and 241 pounds. On draft day he ran a 4.79 forty, a 4.13 20 yard shuttle, and posted a 32 and a half inch vertical. Casey is known for his awareness just like older brother Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers. Casey plays the game of football instinctually and intelligently. He's not the biggest, he's not the strongest, but he's understanding of his role on a team. He also seems to have a knack for being around the ball all of the time which is a huge plus for a linebacker like him.
Why the Chargers need him: San Diego is looking for a spark plug. With the role of "captain" on defense likely changing this offseason, a shift in the linebacking core is upon us. A Casey Matthews to the San Diego Chargers would help aid a lot of the linebackers who are getting older on the current roster. Matthews likes to cause ruckus and A.J. Smith loves players like that. Casey could immediately find a role on San Diego with his competitive nature and burning desire to win.
Prediction: Matthews because he's undersized is still a question mark for a lot of teams out there looking for a linebacker. However, Matthews is a perfect fit for the Chargers who need his type of style at linebacker. He's a possible late second round or early third round steal if the Chargers choose to dabble.
7. (Muhammad Wilkerson Defensive End, Temple)
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Stats: Wilkerson had 139 career tackles, two forced fumbles, and 17 total sacks in his three year career at Temple. 10 of those 17 sacks came in his 2010 season with the Owls.
Scouting Report: At 6 foot 4 and 315 pounds, Wilkerson has found a tremendous amount of success in the NCAA declaring for the NFL draft after just three years at Temple University. Muhammad ran a 4.96 forty at his pro day, along with 4.59 20 yard shuttle, and recorded a 29 inch vertical. He's extremely versatile and can play in both a 4-3 and a 3-4. Once a basketball star in high school, Wilkerson has transformed into a phenomena on the football field. Quick hands, quick feet, and a high IQ is everything that this player is.
Why the Chargers need him: Utility players in the NFL are a rarity. If a guy can play more than one position he's worth the investment. The Chargers normally play a 3-4, but certainly mix it up with a variety of defensive packages. With the Chargers current defensive line running thin, drafting Wilkerson would be an excellent call.
Prediction: Muhammad will most likely go in the second round. The Chargers have two second round picks, and one could easily be dedicated to taking Muhammad Wilkerson.
6. (Dontay Moch Defensive End, Nevada)
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Stats: Moch had 189 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and 29 total sacks in his career with the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Scouting Report: Dontay had one of the most impressive combines of anyone who competed this year. He set the record with the fastest forty time ever for defensive lineman at 4.40. He also had the highest vertical jump of any outside linebacker at 42 inches, as well as the highest broad jump for any outside linebacker at 128. He's 6 foot 1, 248 pounds, and the upside with Moch is tremendous.
Why the Chargers need him: One of San Diego's big priorities this offseason is stocking up at the linebacker position. Merriman is gone, Stephen Cooper is probably not coming back, and Larry English hasn't done anything except collect a pay check for the last two years. The Chargers are going to need a linebacker. Moch is certainly a dynamic player that could benefit San Diego.
Prediction: Before the combine Moch would've probably dropped to the mid-late rounds. Now that he's put himself on the map with such an impressive combine workout, the Chargers will most likely have to take him with one of their second round picks.
5. (Tyron Smith Offensive Tackle, USC)
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Stats: Smith was a 2009 All-Pac-10 honorable mention, and in 2010 a first team All-Pac-10 offensive tackle. He also won the Morris Trophy award as the Pac-10's top offensive lineman. Behind Smith, the Trojans averaged 189.8 yards rushing and 431.4 yards of total offense. Smith, along with the rest of the Trojan offensive line only gave up 18 sacks in 2010 which ranked top 30 in the nation.
Scouting Report: Smith is 6 foot 5 and 307 pounds. Although he didn't participate in the combine, his pro day still proved to be impressive. Tyron ran a five second 40 and put up 225 on the bench 31 times. His wing span is 36 and 3/8's, and he's notorious for using those extremely long arms to his advantage. He's proven he can put on weight just as easily as he can take off weight going from 280 pounds in the 2010 football season to now 307 pounds. He's strong, agile, strategic, and one of the top-tier offensive tackles in this year's draft.
Why the Chargers need him: San Diego is best when they have a solid offensive line that works together. What Tyron Smith brings with him aside from his individual talent is a ton of success coming from the college level. When you come from a collegiate program like USC that's used to winning, it helps at the next level. Smith would be an excellent addition to the Chargers offensive line because he would provide a confidence and a strong support system that sometimes the Chargers lack when things start to fall apart offensively.
Prediction: San Diego will have to take Tyron with the 18th pick if they really want him. He's a top five offensive lineman in this year's draft and a lot of teams are already looking at him first round.
4. (Jacquizz Rodgers Running Back, Oregon State)
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Stats: Rodgers ran for 3,877 yards on 788 attempts (4.9 yards a carry) in his three year career on the Oregon State Beavers. Rodgers had 46 total touchdowns total including 21 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Scouting Report: Rodgers is a hair under 5 foot 6 and weighs 196 pounds. He is one of the craftiest, undersized running backs we've seen in a while. Rodgers ran a 4.59 40 at the combine along with a 4.26 yard 20 yard shuttle. He was a first team All Pac-10 running back three years in a row, and finished his career as the second all time leading rusher in school history. Rodgers is a smaller running back that is known to be extremely agile and quick with his cuts. He's not only extremely hard to catch as a defender, but he's hard to take down too.
Why the Chargers need him: The Chargers are going to be in an interesting spot at running back this season. Darren Sproles will likely not return to the team due to financial reasons. San Diego is going to miss his presence not only in the return game, but as a third down back particularly in the shotgun. Rodgers had over a thousand yards receiving in college, and can certainly fill the role of what Sproles was to the Chargers. Jacquizz is one of those utility players that could really turn out to be something special. The Chargers recognize that.
Prediction: San Diego is going to look to other positions first before they go running back. However, if Rodgers is still on the board in either the late second or third round, they just might make a statement pick and invest in two running backs in two years. The post LT era is officially underway...
3. (Akeem Ayers Linebacker, UCLA)
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Stats: Akeem Ayers had 177 tackles, two forced fumbles, six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and 11 total sacks in his four year career as a UCLA Bruin.
Scouting Report: Ayers is 6 foot 4, 255 pounds, and one of this year's top rated linebackers entering the draft. Ayers ran a 4.8 forty at the combine, recorded a 31 inch vertical jump, and a 4.28 20 yard shuttle. He's a tremendous athlete with huge upside despite his lack of speed at times. Ayers brings a mental toughness to the linebacker position and often outsmarts opponents when making plays. Of his 177 total tackles as a Bruin, 24.5 of them were tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He may not be the fastest, but his quick decision making is proven.
Why the Chargers need him: The Chargers are a defensive team that thrives off of energy. Sometimes, the team can lack defensive intensity and Akeem Ayers certainly brings that to the table. Ayers is bold, affirmative, and a playmaker. There is no reason why the Chargers wouldn't want to bring him on.
Prediction: Ayers is one of the top rated linebackers in the draft, so the Chargers would probably have to use their first round pick to land him.
2. (Ryan Kerrigan Defensive End, Purdue)
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Stats: Kerrigan in his four year career at Purdue had 210 tackles (57 tackles for loss), four forced fumbles, one interception, and 33 total sacks. He was the 2010 Big Ten defensive lineman of the year.
Scouting Report: Kerrigan has been a menace for the Boilermakers since 2007 and it's in large part because of his combined size and strength. Ryan is 6 foot 4, 267 pounds, and put up 31 reps of 225 on the bench at the combine. Kerrigan drew 23 scouts on Purdue's pro day, and didn't disappoint. He's known as an excellent pass rusher, and has a knack for creating turnovers. He was also named to the Academic Big Ten team in 2010, so intelligence is obviously included in what Ryan brings to the table. He's extremely strong willed as you saw in college when he constantly overcame the double team. Some are saying he's the next Jared Allen.
Why the Chargers need him: The Chargers could use a defensive end with some swag behind his step. Kerrigan enjoys what he does when he's on the football field, and that's sometimes overlooked. A.J. Smith loves drafting guys that are going to take care of their part for the better of the team. Kerrigan couldn't fit that stereotype any better. Not only could he play defensive end for the Chargers, but in a 3-4 the thought of him at outside linebacker is not as far-fetched as you think.
Prediction: He's one of the highly scrutinized defensive ends in the draft. There's a chance he may slip to the second round, but I doubt he'll fall all the way to the 50th pick. If the Chargers want this go getter on their team, they'll probably have to take him 18th overall.
1. (Cameron Jordan Defensive End, Cal)
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Stats: Cameron Jordan had 161 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception, and 17 total sacks in his 2007-2010 career as a Cal Golden Bear.
Scouting Report: Jordan is 6 foot 4, 287 pounds, and an athletic defensive end that draws attention to himself for all the right reasons. Jordan ran a 4.74 forty at the combine, along with clocking a 4.37 20 yard shuttle time. He marked a 31 inch vertical, and put up 225 pounds on the bench 25 times. Jordan is an extremely versatile defensive player with an attitude that doesn't quit. He's the type of player that is willing to do anything he can for his team, and has done just that for the Cal Golden Bears. Jordan played in both the 3-4 and the 4-3 and was used in multiple ways. He's a crafty lineman with a lot of moves that make it hard for offensive lineman to try and game plan for.
Why the Chargers need him: The Chargers are a team that likes to cycle guys in on a rather consistent basis. Jordan is a guy that wants to prove to NFL scouts that he can help teams in more ways than one. San Diego has older guys like Jacques Cesaire and Luis Castillo that Jordan will certainly benefit from playing alongside with. The Chargers are a crafty defense and Jordan is a crafty player. He would fit right in to the Chargers defensive scheme. It's about time the Chargers went after a defensive lineman that brings a fresh energy.
Prediction: San Diego will certainly have to use their first round pick to land Cameron Jordan. Of all the players out there, Jordan seems the most likely to still be available by the 18th pick. He's the wise pick, the safe pick, and the "it's time to win a championship" pick.
San Diego, let's make it happen.
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