Keenan Allen played in only nine games the past two years and Philip Rivers is not getting any younger. With one of the two top receivers staring them in the face at the seventh selection, it was easy to take the big and talented Mike Williams. The Chargers used their next two picks on arguably the best two guards in this year’s draft. Williams sounds like a rookie broken record, but he said the toughest challenge in pro football to this point is learning the playbook. Coming from a spread system the plays are run differently and the terminology is vastly different. Early returns show the big receiver catches the ball consistently and is running good routes. He also laid out for an off target pass over the middle. He did miss a week of OTAs with lower back tightness. Forrest Lamp is a projected starter at right guard but the offensive line is still a work in progress with the Chargers trying to line up the best five. Lamp was a dominant player at a lower level of competition. He had a solid game versus Tim Williams from Alabama, but did not have the same success versus Jonathan Allen. A physical and aggressive competitor who plays with light feet and good balance. Dan Feeney has impressed with his good use of hands and solid footwork. Feeney, like Lamp, is projected to start at one of the guard spots depending on the play of Matt Slauson at guard or center and Spencer Pulley at center. Feeney allowed just two sacks in 3355 snaps in college. The ex-Hoosier has good change of direction and weight transfer when pass protecting. Good lateral agility and quickness. He is an intense effort and hustle player. Rayshawn Jenkins has been matching up with tight ends and covers them like spots on a leopard. He is big and physical and is getting reps at both strong and free safety. With his size he may also get linebacker hybrid reps. Value pick Desmond King has been getting most of his reps at nickel corner. The 2015 Jim Thorpe winner as the country’s best defensive back had to wait until the fifth round to get his NFL chance. King has been doing a good job of locking on inside receivers and defending the area between the hash marks. A productive player he is also getting reps as a punt returner. Sam Tevi is a versatile lineman who started his career as a defensive lineman. Big, strong, and has athletic feet. Getting work as a swing tackle. Tevi has long arms and big hands. A developmental talent and a physical competitor. Needs to improve his ability to handle edge speed. Mobile enough to pull and seal linebackers. Isaac Rochell was drafted for his run stuffing ability. He is a versatile lineman who can play both defensive tackle and defensive end. Tough against the run. Plays with big and heavy hands. He needs to improve his diversity of pass rush moves and lower body strength. He has the tools and natural ability. GRADE: GOOD.
FREE AGENCY: The Chargers needed help in the offensive line and before tabbing arguably the two best guards in the draft, the Bolts signed Russell Okung to a 53 million dollar four-year deal, 25 million of which is guaranteed. Re-signed Chargers include Damion Square (NT), Jeff Cumberland (TE), Branden Oliver (RB), and Tenny Palepoi (DE).
NOTABLE UNDRAFTED COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: Artavis Scott (Clemson) WR, Brad Watson (Wake Forest) CB, and James Onwualu (Notre Dame) OB.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233