San Diego Chargers 2011 NFL Draft Review

San Diego finished the season with a 9-7 record in 2010 and did not win the AFC West for the first time in five years. Special teams’ breakdowns and injuries were the main culprits. The Chargers have a new defensive coordinator in Greg Manusky. He takes over for Ron Rivera who is now the Carolina Panthers’ head coach. Four of the first five picks were on the defensive side of the ball. One requirement for prospective Chargers was the ability to cover on special teams. Marcus Gilchrist, Jonas Mouton, Shareece Wright, and Andrew Gachkar all have experience on kick coverage units. First round pick Corey Liuget is a run stuffing beast who played inside for Illinois but projects as a 3-4 scheme end. The new special teams coach is Rich Bisoccia. Corey Liuget is a talented and relentless, hyperactive, explosive player with the agility of a linebacker. He is a playmaker who works his way through traffic to make a tackle. AJ Smith thinks they can move him inside as needed to push the pocket. He has good muscle mass from chest to calves with the required powerful hips. He is quick twitch, has an explosive first step, and has a closing burst to the ball carrier once he gets by the blocker. He is a jolt and explosion type player. Marcus Gilchrist is expected to compete for the nickel corner position and a kickoff return job. He is also a free safety with corner skills, has good short area reactions and quickness. Competitive and productive over his career, he has good ball skills and functional speed, is physical in the run game, smart and alert, and has good anticipation to get a jump on the ball. Jonas Mouton led the Big-10 in tackles. He played as a Will linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. He possesses good instincts and is not fooled by draws or screen passes. A physical run through tackler in the open field, he breaks down and makes a play. He bounces around on the balls of his feet, and will contribute on all special teams coverage units. Vincent Brown was a four-year starter in college. He plays strong on the ball and was productive, but is smaller and slower than a prototype NFL receiver. A long strider, he is a natural hand catcher. Smooth and fluid in his movement, he has good body control and focus. He has some open field make-you-miss moves. Shareece Wright adds depth at corner. Aggressive in his play, he has route savvy to cut off the receivers going to the ball and has a quick break on the ball in front of him. He may see more time at safety because of his instincts and range. Smooth and fluid in his back pedal, he is a tough minded competitor. Jordan Todman has good long speed despite his size. He flashes a quick burst through the hole. A north/south downhill runner, he runs low to the ground. He has good inside vision. His best play was the power off tackle out of the I-formation. Not a creative or elusive runner, he needs to improve as a pass protector. He is a cut type blocker. Stephen Schilling was a team captain and a fouryear starter, two years at right tackle and two years at left guard. He is a physical inside player who uses his hands effectively. A high effort player, he plays with a solid power base. Andrew Gachkar should be a major contributor on special teams. A high motor, try hard player, he recorded 84 tackles in 2010. He is a good athlete to get through traffic and make a play. On his pro day on 3/17/11 his numbers were: 6023, 233, 4.59/40, 1.65/10, 18/BP, 34/VJ, 9-10/BJ, 4.31/SS, and 7.02/3 cone. GRADE: AVERAGE.