Conclusions and questions we can make from the draft

by TJBOLT on Apr 30, 2011 5:34 PM PDT

After the dust has settled I have thoughts and questions that came up after this draft:

1) The chargers sure liked players that will play multiple roles: Corey Liuget will play DE in the 3-4 standard, but will play 3 tech DT if they go to 4 man fronts in Nickel defense. Marcus Gilchrist has played corner/slot corner and safety, and has played well at both, he's also kickoff returner and gunner and coverage teams. Jonas Mouton will be seen as a ILB and core special teams player. Vincent Brown is seen as skilled enough to play outside, but with enough quickness to be productive in the slot, maybe he's the successor to the Patrick Crayton role. Shareece Wright will play corner and special teams, Jordan Todman will get a shot at replacing Darren Sproles 3rd down back role, plus take away some carries away in more classic running situations, plus he can be returner. Stephen Schilling has experience playing at both Guard and RT, and will be seen to provide depth on both. Andrew Gachkar is an undersized ILB or a safety, but will clearly be seen to contribute on special teams.

2) How many of the 3 free agent ILB will be back?, as its look right now maybe one no more than 2

3) Do the chargers expect Eric Weddle back? Lets say Gilchrist is a corner as early reports say, but I'm still not 100% confindent that Weddle will be back

4) As I mentioned before multiple role players matter, and special teams prowess mattered on this draft, I'm pretty sure Bissachia had an opinion on multiple picks.

5) No 3-4 OLB drafted, vote of confindence towards Larry English or did draft just not work well for the chargers? Is it a clear sign that Antwan Barnes will be resigned?

6) Is a Darren Sproles resigning totally out of the question, his possible replacement Todman was only a 6th rounder, so no major commitment there, is that door totally closed?

7) Are the rumors of Billy Volek leaving for a starting job in Carolina just that?, no QB drafted, does it mean he's coming back?

Well those are some thought and questions that came up for me, your thought guys?

This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.

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excellent questions

AJ did say that we would be able to read the tea leaves after the draft and see how some of the FA decisions on the current roster are going to shake out. And I think one of the critical pieces that has come into focus is that AJ is pretty happy with our current set of OLBs, and I don’t think it was just because the right guys didn’t fall to us in the draft. Surprising to me, but I don’t think there is any other conclusion to be drawn.

I think we now know that either Cesaire or Johnson won’t be back (maybe both), and either Burnett or Cooper wont be back (maybe both). With the addition of some returners through the draft, I think Sproles’ role with the team has just about been eliminated (especially since Mathews/Tolbert will be better blockers on third down with another year under their belts). I think we can see the AJ is happy with Clary at RT (at least for next year), and I think AJ is planning on life after VJ and Floyd.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on May 2, 2011 1:02 PM PDT reply actions

As looks right now I would be pretty sure next year's first rounder will be a WR

In terms of who gets long term deals, Acee’s intel seems to be spot on, so that means once again, Vincent Jackson is one year rental, with the possible exception of the option of getting franchise tagged (I doubt they would multiple franchise tag placement on a player in the next labor deal).

My expectation for the next labor deal, is free agency at 4 years, with the franchise tag and maybe an additional tag of some sort, I would be truly surprised if the owner actually get that number to five years.

As a lot us have said before free agent priorities in order: Weddle, Burnett, Floyd, Barnes, Clary.

by TJBOLT on May 3, 2011 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions

There are a few solid wideouts that will be eligible to be drafted in 2012...

Juron Criner is the first one that comes to mind (being a 12-Pac[k] fan). Alshon Jeffrey will probably go before we can draft. If Michael Floyd ever lets the bottle down and plays this season, he could be a first rounder (but a risk). Justin Blackmon is an absolute beast and may go really early in the draft.

Self anointed President of the Kenjon Barner fan club.

by CaDuck on May 3, 2011 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I would probably eliminate Michael Floyd of the list already

WR with alcohol problems give bad deja vu

by TJBOLT on May 4, 2011 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Nice post

I’m also interested to see if Siler comes back, I’d feel better with more vets at ilb.

The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'

by Brian (DaBolts) on May 3, 2011 10:04 AM PDT reply actions

Ditto on Siler

He brings that toughness & attitude that this defense is searching to find. By accounts that I’ve read & clips I’ve seen, the picks of Liuget & Mouton were targeted toward this mindset as well.

Obviously our poor ST play was on the staff’s mind as we drafted, as it should be. We lost at least 3 games directly attributable to that aspect of the team last season.

All in all, I am FAR more satisfied at this point with this year’s draft compared to last year’s.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on May 5, 2011 3:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Last Years draft would have been OK...

If…
1) Mathews turns out to be multi year 1000+ yarder over the next 5 years
2) Cam Thomas becomes a solid back-up/starter
3) Salvage Donald Butlers career
4) Darryl Stuckey becomes a good back-up/starter
and if Seyi Ajiratutu (even though not drafted) makes the team and improves this year

Last year will be at least respectable. If we only retain Mathews and Thomas it will be just average/mildly below average and I would agree that this years draft might have a bigger impact.

I think getting Todman and Gachkar in the late rounds could be an absolute steal. So if those two pan out this years draft will be a huge success because at least a couple of the higher picks should pan out.

by gzubeck on May 6, 2011 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Gachkar might make an interesting Safety

Supposedly he ran in the 4.4’s for the chargers, so if he can trim down to 220 lbs range, he might make a very interesting SS.

Supposedly Butler was playing at a very high level prior to his injury, so I’m quite optimistic on him doing something in the ’11 season.

Mathews if he can improve ball security can be special, the burst he had prior to the ankle sprain was special.

Thomas & Ajirotutu at least should provide value as playing backups in the rotation, I have no idea of what to believe on Stuckey though.

by TJBOLT on May 6, 2011 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Where did you hear about Gachkar's run time

that’s the first I heard of it, but if true, I like the pick. Don’t really know enough about the guy to have an opinion on him one way or another.

by jkvandal on May 13, 2011 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Gachkar said he ran in the 4.4's in multiple private workouts, including one with the chargers

Then it comes down to, do you trust the word of Gachkar himself.

by TJBOLT on May 13, 2011 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

I think #1 and two others would be all that's necessary for last year's draft to be a hit.

But if Mathews doesn’t pan out, there’s no salvaging it.

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

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on May 8, 2011 5:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Agreed

But I’m a little worried they might be fighting the last war. I’m just wondering if they didn’t spend too many resources on ST guys, but I like Liuget, Jordan and Gilchrist. I’m waiting to see Mouton play, I was disappointed based on reports, but want to see him play now. I’m still hoping Butler and Thomas pan out from last year, but right now it does look like an iffy draft.

I do like that they picked up physical corners that aren’t afraid to hit RBs coming out of the backfield, at least by reputation.

The play of chance and probability within which the creative spirit is free to roam. -von Clausewitz 'On Football'

by Brian (DaBolts) on May 7, 2011 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Not a bad draft

All in all this year’s draft wasn’t all that bad, multi-faceted players are intriguing if they can play at least one position good or above average. I say trade for W.R. Steve Smith, franchise Vincent Jackson, and hope English, Mathews and Butler comes around then
step back and enjoy boltheads!

by powersurge on May 8, 2011 7:00 PM PDT reply actions

I still think health is bigger concern with Mathews and English

English’s playing time this year was about 6 games worth, his production was 17 tackles and 4 sacks. If he stays healthy (massive if) for entire season that would equate to about 45-50 tackles and about 10-11 sacks. Not superstar but definitely worthy of his pick.

Mathews played 10 full games and parts of 2 more, he averaged 61.6 yards per game (took his yardage and divided by 11), that put him on 16 game season at just about 1000 yards. That doesn’t sound like a bad level of play, that is more injuries that limited him.

So here’s hoping both these guy stay healthy, I think they can change a lot of people’s opinion if they do.

by TJBOLT on May 8, 2011 8:26 PM PDT reply actions

They'll have to

or else they’ll go down in the same annals that Buster is headed for.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on May 10, 2011 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Neither of them is Buster.

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

by Neoplatonist Bolthead on May 12, 2011 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Not yet

Time will tell. I certainly hope that they can stay healthy & contribute greatly.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on May 13, 2011 3:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Part of the point is level of play

When the guy can’t play i.e. Sammy Davis, then there is no hope or future, in the case of Mathews we have seen Tiki Barber trim down the fumbles, the high ankle sprain is an injury that would put out anyone (remember how well LT played with that, wink wink), so I have hope the fumbles will go down, hope he can avoid an injury, and with experience he will learn to block and run pass patterns much better than now.

In the case of English I don’t see a pro bowler, but a definitely saw flashes at the end of the season were he had good games against the broncos and chiefs, that he can become a 9-11 sack a season guy, with 50-65 tackles in a season. And in terms of his health, he stayed healthy in his rookie season, maybe it just was a case of he never truly got healthy last year. Lets just say for the six games worth of play last year, there were some flashes and there is some reason for optimism.

by TJBOLT on May 13, 2011 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions

True

but there were questions of durability surrounding Mathews coming out of college.

I am cautiously optimistic – far too soon to even consider giving up on Mathews. This year, IMO, is something of a make-or-break for English.

Flashes of brilliance are all good & fine, but if you can’t get on the field to produce they only make good highlight videos.

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

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on May 17, 2011 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

High ankle sprains knock out anyone

So in the case of Mathews, I can’t call his injury one of those he doesn’t try to play through pain guys. So i’m just hoping he avoids injury. But his history is concerning.

In the case of English, I remember him playing all of the 2009 games, so maybe its just the one season of injury.

by TJBOLT on May 17, 2011 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Great questions

1) I think you were dead on in your opinions on the picks. Just don’t know what to make of Mouton. The coaching staff must have seen something in their workout with him that really made him stand out.

2) This one is scary. I would love to have both Siler and Burnett back, but if I had to choose between the two, I’d prioritize Burnett over Siler. Burnett has shown what he can do when he can stay healthy (95 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 FF, 2 INTs). Siler has shown to be a beast against the run, but I’m just not sold on him in coverage. Ideally I’d love to see Butler take his starting spot, with Siler as a subpackage guy in goalline situations and a special teams monster once again. I think Cooper is gone, would not be surprised to see him given a short term contract in Carolina. RR loves that guy.

3) I absolutely think Weddle is back. He’s a crucial part of this defense: he knows it, AJ knows it, and the coaches know it. He’ll get a decent contract and he’ll be back.

4) Special teams was a huge focus in this draft after the first round. Pretty sure any guys that couldn’t play ST’s were not on the board anywhere after round 1.

5) No one they viewed as an upgrade over our current OLB’s was available at our draft picks. I wouldn’t read any more into it than that. We will know more after Free Agency, whenever it occurs. Too bad about Applewhite with his DUI, as we most likely won’t see much more of him in SD.

6) Unfortunately I think the Lightning Bug is gone. I think he knows he fits best in this offense, but I also think another team is going to offer him more than the Chargers will. I would say that he should consider what the Bolts have paid him the last 2 seasons, but if this offseason has taught us anything, its that this is much more of a business than it is a game. Gonna be sad to see Sproles in another uniform.

7) I really hope Billy Volek comes back. I know he wants to be a starter, but I also think he knows his best chance at a ring is by being Rivers’ backup. He’s shown he can run the Chargers’ offense in a pinch if Rivers gets hurt, and the coaching staff has shown him that they trust him to do so. I think he’s back (and not just because I have a signed pair of his cleats).

by jkvandal on May 13, 2011 7:10 PM PDT reply actions

Too early to judge

Butler was favorite pick last year so I hope he comes back strong. To play Pittsburgh like 3-4, quick and physical LBs are the key and the Chargers have never really had that on the inside. I think Matthews and Garay are going to bust out as true stars this year. I hope English is actually healthy and contributes but Barnes was really productive in his role. I don’t think Gilcrist could sub for Weddle. He was a huge part of 3rd down D and the Chargers have no one that could step in, especially considering the lack of veteran SS. I personally thought Sproles was total crap for the first of half of the season and was accountable for at least 2 loses with his inopportune fumbles. If he does come back he should come back at league minimum to compensate for 2 yrs of being paid $6.5 M a year as a 3rd down back/returner who hasn’t broken one in years.

Thoughts? "I have none. If there are any other developments, we will let you know." Charger GM - AJ Smith.

by bringbackbuddytrees on May 14, 2011 4:28 PM PDT reply actions