The Los Angeles Chargers fell short of a playoff appearance by a field goal last season. They came into this year’s draft needing to continue what they have already done this offseason, add players to put them over that postseason threshold. Fans should be excited about some of the talents that Tom Telesco and crew brought in. However, the question still remains: Did Los Angeles do enough to address their needs?
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft Recaps.
Best Pick: Zion Johnson (Round 1, Pick 17)
The best selection the Chargers made came on their first pick. After taking offensive tackle Rashawn Slater last year, and now guard Johnson this year, Los Angeles’ offensive line rebuild is now complete. We saw them get torched in that Week 18 game by Maxx Crosby on the right side, and now that issue can be solved with the rearrangement of some bodies.
Grade: A-
For more on Johnson, check out our scouting report on him.
Worst Pick: J.T. Woods (Round 3, Pick 79)
After trading away their second-round pick in the acquisition of Khalil Mack just a few weeks ago, Los Angeles waited for 62 selections to get their next guy. Woods is not a bad player by any means, but the need wasn’t their highest. One could argue that safety was a must-get for the Chargers, though defensive tackle would have been much better here. Los Angeles picked up two lower-tier starters in free agency to address their woes against the run last season, but it was paramount that this team addressed defensive tackle in the first two days, and they did not.
Grade: C+
Sleeper Pick: Jamaree Salyer (Round 6, Pick 195)
In no way should Salyer have slipped into the sixth round. His floor is way too high for that to happen, and the Chargers lucked out. He has the potential to become a starter sometime down the road and is most known for locking down Aidan Hutchinson last season. Due to all the new talent on this line, Salyer may not see action right away. However, he will definitely make the roster.
Grade: A-
For more on Salyer, check out our scouting report on him.
Summary
This was an interesting draft for Los Angeles. Johnson will most likely be the only guy to play early on, especially with the new stars they picked up this offseason, but there are a lot of names to keep an eye on. For example, running back Isaiah Spiller could see early rotational time, but in what role? The big negative from this draft was not really addressing the interior defensive line. This could end up hurting LA again, and is the only real reason they would not make the playoffs.
Grade: B
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