San Diego Chargers select Marcus Gilchrist

by John Gennaro on Apr 29, 2011 4:39 PM PDT in NFL Draft

With the 50th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected CB/S Marcus Gilchrist out of Clemson.

Gilchrist is seen as either a tough nickel CB or a Safety (either FS or SS), and should be able to compete right away for that nickel CB spot. He also provides a little backup for the Chargers should Bob Sanders get injured, Darrell Stuckey continue to underwhelm, or Eric Weddle leave as a Free Agent. At the very least, Donald Strickland might be looking for a job on another team soon.

Marcus is also an option to replace soon-to-be-departed RB Darren Sproles as the team's kick returner and possibly punt returner.

The Chargers will be up again soon with their second 2nd round pick, at #60.

Poll

What grade do you give this pick?

A

87 votes

B

206 votes

C

168 votes

D

40 votes

F

21 votes

What pick?

8 votes

530 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

like this pick!

Like the versitilty of Gilchrist!

by Reeve.Oliver on Apr 29, 2011 4:54 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

Feels like a reach, but an acceptable one.

Always need more DBs. He’s maybe a tad small, but I trust AJ on picks like this.

An autumn Sunday,
Perched in front of the big screen,
Beer in white knuckles.

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Apr 29, 2011 5:00 PM PDT reply actions

Really?

You trust AJ on DB picks? I find that to be one of his biggest weaknesses.

Gilchrist is a baller – see a lot of ACC games in my area. Good instincts but I could honestly see him moving to safety as he isn’t as fluid as you would like in a CB.

Again – I think we over-reached but won’t pan the player. He’ll help out on ST early, but is that worth the 50th pick? Not in my view but at least we went defense.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Apr 30, 2011 6:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Cason and Weddle disagree

Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.

2011 Padres Record-When-I'm-There: 2-5

by John Gennaro on Apr 30, 2011 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Cason maybe

Weddle? Meh …. another example of over-reaching for a player. If Weddle walks I’ll shed no tears.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Apr 30, 2011 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions

Then you haven't been watching any recent Chargers games.

by cowbell on Apr 30, 2011 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Weddle was no reach.

He wasn’t going to be there when the Chargers picked next.

The National League West title was all but a lock,
Then they lost 10 in a row, ‘twas like a punch in the jock!

Bolts from the Blue - General Manager: It is what it isn't

by Wonko on Apr 30, 2011 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

This guy is a Chargers DB all the way

Versatile. He clearly has some things to learn about the Safety position; haven’t seen enough of him as a CB to make a judgement yet. He can contribute this year on ST at least, and will likely get some time at Nickel. He’s going to need some time to develop but I like his potential.

"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"

by aesimpleton on Apr 29, 2011 5:09 PM PDT reply actions

He looks more and more like a safety

The more I read. Stiff hips, strength, and instinct sounds more like a safety to me than 1 or 2 CB, and I don’t really think AJ drafted a Nickel in the second round. I could be wrong of course, but I think circumstances can tell us something about his plans here. He’s strong against the run and in man to man.

"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"

by aesimpleton on Apr 29, 2011 5:23 PM PDT reply actions

And yet Acee says otherwise

Acee is saying they’re looking to groom Gilchrist to replace Jammer. I guess they’re really looking long term. He’s going to take a while to develop CB1 skills. Meantime he can contribute as a backup and on ST.

"Were such things here as we do speak about?
Or have we eaten on the insane root
That takes the reason prisoner?"

by aesimpleton on Apr 29, 2011 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I Like Gilchrist

I know there’s some questions about what position he will play, but I like his versatility and I believe he could help the secondary and/or special teams right away. That’s pretty good for the 50th pick in the draft. He’s a good athlete (the combine probably helped his stock a lot) and he’s a physical player; which fits what the Chargers like to do at his position.

"You play to win the game."

by MrWayneKeller on Apr 30, 2011 12:07 PM PDT reply actions