San Diego Chargers 2010 Draft Review

The Chargers had some specific needs going into the draft. They needed a starting running back to replace Ladainian Tomlinson. They also needed to replace long-time, stalwart Jamal Williams at nose tackle.  They did exactly that by drafting Ryan Mathews and Cam Thomas. They traded their second round pick to move up and select Mathews.  Depth at corner is still a need after the Cromartie trade and the offensive line was not addressed. They did address the lack of ball hawking skills from the safety position by drafting Darrell Stuckey and got an interesting inside linebacker prospect in Donald Butler. Jonathan Crompton should replace Charlie Whitehurst nicely. The Chargers were aggressive getting the players at positions they needed badly but weren't afraid to pass on lesser needs for players they wanted.


Round 1, Pick 12

Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

Ht: 5’ 11 5/8” Wt: 218

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Chargers were in desperate need of a running back after releasing LT.  Mathews is a bell-cow type runner and will be successful behind the talented offensive line of the Chargers.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A tough, downhill runner who owns a unique distinction in this draft as a back capable of playing every down. He distinguished himself as a junior and has the vision, strength and tackle-breaking ability to become a workhorse-type back.

NFL projection: Top-40 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Mathews is a first-year starter at RB, who loses some playing time to two other players for the Bulldogs in 2009.  He has an exceptional physique with above average arm length for the position at the next level.  He is an outstanding overall athlete with excellent overall play speed, initial quickness, & lateral avoid with balance as a runner.  He lacks the elite pure speed to consistently gain the edge or to make the long run.  He is more of a one-cut, downhill type of runner, who runs to & through contact. He shows exceptional functional strength & power to break high arm tackle attempts between the tackles.  He runs behind his pads with great lower body flexibility, nimble feet, & contact balance to bounce/spin-off tackle attempts.  However, he will go down too easily against low contact at times.  He is a sledge-hammer inside, who wears-down defenders by the end of the game.  Although he lacks elite speed, he does have the ability to change his gears & builds-up speed with acceleration down the field.  He consistently runs with square shoulders & a strong stride.  He can be effective as an off-tackle runner after one cut.  He is very tough for a single perimeter defender to bring him down.  He did NOT fumble in my views.  He is an excellent receiving threat out of the backfield, & an exceptional blocker in pass protection.  He does a great job of locating & eliminating blitzers, he can snap his hips & uncoil on contact.  He also shows soft hands with the ability to adjust to the ball in the air out of the backfield.  He shows exceptional toughness, but little elusiveness in his rac ability.  Overall, he is a future starter & complete player at the NFL level.  He lacks Pro Bowl caliber speed & ability, but has many strong qualities to serve him well in his career.  He has the chance to play right way on 3^rd down due to his ability to block in pass protection.  He would best pair with an undersized, fast & explosive back for a team.  He reminds me of a combination of former Wolverine Chris Perry, who was a late 1^st round pick by the Bengals in 2004 & of former Hokie Kevin Jones, who was a late 1^st round pick by the Lions that same year. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  When healthy, Mathews has enjoyed remarkable results, rushing for 3,280 yards and 39 touchdowns in only 534 attempts (6.12-yard average).  Possessing the toughness, balance and leg drive to be a grinder on the inside, as well as the vision and speed to make big plays on the outside, Mathews might be the nation’s best all-around back.

Round 3, Pick 79

Donald Butler, LB, Washington

Ht: 6’ 1 1/8” Wt:  245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Butler is the type of player that will make his impact on special teams immediately and could develop into a starting linebacker in a season or two.  Though he is somewhat physically limited, his instincts and playmaking capabilities won't keep him off the field in the NFL.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Played inside as a senior but fits best on the weak side in a 4-3 front where he is free to run to the ball. Instant special-teams contributor. NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  His narrow build could make it difficult for him to add the size and strength necessary to handle the bigger, stronger guards in the NFL.  His relentlessness and good open-field tackling skills will help him rack up tackles.  Considering his frame and relative comfort in coverage, some teams will view Bulter as an outside linebacker prospect. 

110.)  San Diego Chargers
Darrell Stuckey, FS, Kansas

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 205

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Stuckey is another try-hard prospect.  Not blessed with overwhelming speed, he will come in and help on special teams immediately.  He is also capable to fill in as an injury replacement at the safety position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Stood out as a junior but posted a disappointing senior season and did not stand out at the Shrine game. Moved around well enough at the Combine to warrant re-evaluating junior tape and is athletic enough to warrant interest as a solid No. 3 safety.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

146.)  San Diego Chargers
Cam Thomas, DT, Maryland

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 330

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Thomas is a run stuffing nose tackle that will take over for Jamal Williams in the middle of the Chargers' defense.  A powerful specimen, he has a chance to become a starter in his rookie season.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Thomas was helped by a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl, adding to his value.  Scouts are intrigued by his size, power and position versatility to be a valued run-stuffer despite marginal college production.  His best position will likely be nose guard, a valued role in 3-4 defenses.  Clogging running lanes and leaving easy opportunities for his teammates to be productive could be where Thomas’ value lies.  

168.)  San Diego Chargers
Jonathan Crompton, QB, Tennessee

Ht: 6’ 3” Wt: 222

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another darling of the pre-draft process, Crompton is a bit of a enigma.  He came into his own only halfway through his senior season and has too much bad tape to warrant an higher draft pick.  The Chargers have an excellent starting QB, and Crompton is going to the perfect situation in the fact that he has time to develop

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Showed some progress down the stretch as a senior and capped a late-season surge with a solid week at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. Development was hindered by cycling through offensive coordinators and is still very raw. Would be best in a sprint- out, West Coast offense featuring heavy play- action, but a lack of intangibles and escapability could limit his chances.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The sudden improvement Crompton made in Lane Kiffin’s pro-style offense is intriguing.  Then games is hardly enough of a sample set to warrant a high-round selection.  However, a team willing to gamble on a developing talent with legitimate NFL tools could be pleasantly surprised with the results.  

235.)  San Diego Chargers
Dedrick Epps, TE, Miami

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 250

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Epps fell down the draft board because of a serious knee injury but could have time to develop behind Antonio Gates.  He also could help with blocking on running downs.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Teams will take a look at Epps’ left knee, which underwent surgery for a torn ACL before the team’s 2008 bowl game.  His blocking ability and length will intrigue scouts enough to consider taking him in the late rounds as a possible reserve with upside.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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