Melvin Ingram
The Chargers believe that with some fine tuning on offense and an emerging pass rusher on defense, their non-playoff skid should stop at two. Philip Rivers seemingly had a bevy of new receivers every week in 2011 when he threw a career high 20 interceptions as well as losing five fumbles. Last year is in the rearview mirror. First round pick Melvin Ingram and second round selection Kendall Reyes should help the Chargers get off the field quicker than they did on defense last year. Opponents converted 49% of their third down opportunities. Ingram projects to be the pass rusher that helps free up Shawn Phillips. The productive Gamecock tallied 19 sacks and 26 tackles for loss during the past two years. Reyes will compete with inexperienced Vaughn Martin at right end. He is an athletic big man who can stack a double team on the line of scrimmage and finishes the play with extra effort. Melvin Ingram has played almost every defensive line and linebacker position. Undersized for a four man front defensive end, he projected best in a 3- 4 as a rush end. He has a good temperament for the position and shows toughness and intangibles. A productive football player, he must move around and play in a variety of alignments and positions to be successful. Kendall Reyes caught Norv Turner’s eye in the rookie mini-camp with his quickness and change of direction. He can be stout enough to hold his ground as a 3-4 defensive end. Strong enough to win the one-on-one battles, he has good athletic ability for a big man. He must work to bend his knees and stay low but has good awareness to get his hands up in the throwing lane. Brandon Taylor was drafted to help fill the void at safety after the loss in free agency of Steve Gregory to New England. The Bolts traded up five places to draft him. Taylor is a three year starter who is always around the ball. His best asset is his ability to support the run. He is a well built safety who is physical in the run game. A tough hitter, he keeps his feet and forces the action. Ladarius Green is four deep on the depth chart, but he may be used as a matchup mismatch with shorter slot corners. A height and speed athlete, he is built more like a big wide receiver than a tight end. He is raw in every phase of his game but grades out as a solid backup developmental tight end. He has talent but needs pro physical and skill growth. Johnnie Troutman is a developmental interior player with some off field red flags. A physical inside player, he has a tendency to lose his knee bend. He has good mirror and slide in pass protection but struggles to anchor or play with strength if he loses his knee bend. Although he is very good initially into his target, his finish is inconsistent. He has some lower body stiffness. David Molk is a three-year starter who is shorter than ideal, but is strong and mobile. He is very smart and competitive in his play. A zone blocking center, he is a one position player only. He controls his block with authority and strength. In 2011 he was voted the Rimington Award winner for the best center in college football. He stays up on his blocks and works from snap to whistle. Edwin Baker will battle Curtis Brinkley to backup Ryan Mathews. He had a strong sophomore year rushing for 1200 yards and 13 touchdowns. In 2011 he played in a rotation with several skilled backs. He has good vision, quickness, and running skills and is good in space. Over his career he had nine fumbles. GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233