Chargers Daily Links: Telesco is ‘excited’ about their Draft Day 1 haul

Since 2012, General Manager Tom Telesco has only traded up in the NFL Draft once and that was in 2015 when they had to go up and get running back Melvin Gordon. After last night, you can make that twice for TT after he mortgaged both picks on Day 2 to get back into the first to select linebacker Kenneth Murray out of Oklahoma.

The pick was met with mixed feelings because, even though linebacker was on the list of needs, it was realistically fourth behind offensive tackle and wide receiver. But Telesco and their scouting staff have stated they were “very high” on Murray so they are “stoked” to have gotten him.

When asked about Justin Hebert and what made him the pick at No. 6, Telesco said what we all expected him to say. He focused on Hebert’s physical and mental intangibles and all the things that make you believe he has the room and opportunity to grow into something special. He believes Herbert has shown the things necessary to make them believe he absolutely has the ability to turn into something special, and that may be the case. Like the Chiefs did with Mahomes, Herbert will likely sit most of the year behind Tyrod Taylor and hopefully blossom into a stud sooner rather than later,

Both picks were totally Telesco-type picks. High-character, leaders-in-their-own-way players who haven’t given any single person a reason to discredit them as people. Herbert went to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and won the All-Star game’s MVP Award while Murray is known for being the son of a retired cop and preacher who helped raise several adopted siblings with disabilities.

I’m not surprised in the slightest at TT falling for either of these guys.

Chargers News:

General Manager Tom Telesco recaps the opening night of the 2020 NFL Draft (Chargers.com)

Hayley Elwood discusses how “fired up” the new Chargers quarterback is (Chargers.com)

Gavino Borquez gives you his scouting report and notes on LB Kenneth Murray (Chargers Wire)

Gavino Borquez gives you his scouting report and notes on QB Justin Herbert (Chargers Wire)

Tyler Gallagher explains how the first round impacted the rest of the Chargers draft (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:

Mike Tanier grades each pick from the draft’s first round (Bleacher Report)

Mike Freeman shares his thoughts on the opening round of the draft (Bleacher Report)

Mel Kiper lists his winners and “head-scratchers” from day one of the draft (ESPN+)

Michael David Smith predicts the second round in his latest mock draft (Pro Football Talk)

Darin Gantt reflects on Roger Goodell’s relief of minimal issues on opening night (Pro Football Talk)