San Diego Chargers
I feel that the Chargers addressed quite a few of their needs and will add quality depth to the team.
Round 1 Selection #18 Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama 6’2 186
One of the top corners in the draft with the size and length to blanket receivers and the aggressiveness to give good run support. Will win jump balls at the sideline. There are plenty of game tapes that show Kirkpatrick has all the athletic ability, instincts and tenacity to be a great cornerback. Scouts need to watch the tapes because statistics don't tell Kirkpatrick's story. In three seasons he had only three interceptions -- all in 2010 -- but his strength is in how he plays the man more than how he plays the ball. He denies receivers. He denies them a clean release. He denies them to get separation. And he denies them an opportunity to get the ball. He is physical to the extreme, both in coverage and coming up on run support, where he is perhaps too much of a hitter and not enough of a wrap-up tackler.
Round 2 Selection #49 Zebrie Sanders OT Ohio State 6’6 308
Sanders proved to be highly versatile and invaluable at Florida State starting most of his first three seasons at right tackle before starting eight games at left tackle in 2011. Has good technique and footwork balanced and agile pass protector. He’s coachable and athletically gifted with the ideal frame physique weight distribution knee bend and hand strength to be molded into a special blocker. With the loss of Marcus McNeil the team needs help in this area.
Round 3 Selection #80 Chandler Jones OLB Syracuse 6’5 266
Has a good burst off the line and times the snap well and vision to locate the ball and recognize cut blocks. Another addition to an area of need to help solidify and give depth to the defense.
Round 4 Selection #110 Chris Childs WR Arkansas 6’3 215
Childs probably has only now recovered from a 2010 right knee injury, but he pushed himself through the 2011 season anyway, catching 21 passes for 240 yards. By the time of the combine he was well enough to run the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and manage a 36??-inch vertical jump. But he considered his March 7 pro day a coming out when he ran 40 yards in 4.41 seconds and had a vertical jump of 41?? inches. "It was just mainly showing everybody that I was healthy again, showing I was 100 percent again," Childs said after the on-campus workout. The injury was to his right patella and required surgery in 2010, otherwise he probably would have been in the 2011 draft. Instead, he struggled through the 2011 season, missing only a little action. Childs is an extraordinary target because of his unusual combination of size, speed, jumping ability, long arms (34?-inch) and, finally, huge hands, The Chargers like big receivers and here’s a young man I watched for most of his college career and was the favorite target of Ryan Mallett.
Round 5 Selection #149 Ronnie Hillman RB San Diego State 5’10 198
Defying his frame Hillman started 13 games and had 311 carries on the season. With improved receiving and pass blocking Hillman could see the field early in his career. Elusive pogo stick quick back with excellent initial burst and very good long speed. Gets to top speed quickly. Turns the corner and accelerates smoothly with vision to cut or stop and start. Breakaway threat has improved as a receiver. With extra work can help the team in the Darren Sproles type role.
Round 6 Selection #183 Trevor Guyton DE/DT California 6’3 284
Hustle defender with a good bull rush inside that can close and get to the quarterback. Has good attitude and work ethic. Guyton may be best as a five-technique 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. In a 4-3 defense, he could do well to be a power, run-stuffing left defensive end. The senior made 46 tackles with seven sacks and, 15 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles this year. He had decent production as a junior with 29 tackles, five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
Round 7 Selection #226 Jaymes Brooks OG Virginia Tech 6’2 310
He brings short area quickness and power to the running game and savy and lateral agility in pass protection. Plays with a wide strong base to handle bull rishers. Alert to recognize unexpected stunts and blitzes switching off and maintaing good levels through his kick slide.
Round 7 Selection #250 Sean Richardson SS Vanderbilt 6’3 216
Richardson is a three-year starter in Commodore secondary … Dependable leader who started every game at safety … Anchors Vanderbilt's secondary with senior defensive back Casey Hayward … Second on the team with 58 total tackles … 36 stops were solo … Had 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks … Sacks came against Georgia and Florida … Had first interception of his career in victory over Ole Miss … Tied career high with 10 tackles, including nine of the solo variety, against Florida … Had six stops against Wake Forest, Tennessee and Georgia.
