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The Chargers used their sixth-round pick (186th) on former Notre Dame safety Alohi Gilman. That brings the total number of Irish players to four on the Bolts roster, joining defensive end Isaac Rochell, defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, and linebacker Drue Tranquill.
I can’t really tell you what the thought process was behind this pick when you consider the team has three starting-caliber safeties with last year’s UDFA signing Roderic Teamer also there for depth. This pick honestly screams “special teams”. Seeing as the Chargers lost Derek Watt, Adrian Phillips, and Nick Dzubnar in free agency, they could honestly be attempting to get guys they believe could elevate kick coverages and the return game.
He unfortunately doesn’t bring anything special to the defense at 5’10 and 201 pounds. I simply do not know where he fits in right now and I think there’s a chance he doesn’t end up making the roster. His ceiling is the team’s Adrian Phillips role as a sub-package linebacker and special teams ace.
Final Grade: D+
The reactions online have been mixed, and it seems like Gilman’s high character was a selling point for the Chargers.
Alohi Gilman drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Chargers.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) April 25, 2020
Gilman and Drue Tranquill on the same special teams units? Good luck returning punts and kicks against the Chargers.
I'm content with the pick only because I'm a Notre Dame fan, but this was his worst pick of the draft. Alohi Gilman will be a good ST guy and depth at S. Probably only see the field on Special Teams imo. Do need ST help though.
— / ⚡ (@LASDChargersFan) April 25, 2020
Grade: C-
NFL Network wrapping up its Combine coverage, and they note that #NotreDame safety Alohi Gilman just cleaned up all the plastic bottles and tape in the end zone before leaving. He’s just a good dude.
— Matt Randall (@mattrandall_) March 1, 2020
Alohi Gilman was Notre Dame’s sixth player taken this year. This is a bit of an obvious take, but it feels like a slam dunk that he will be an impact special teams guy for them right away and chip his way into a bigger role.
— Patrick Engel (@PatrickEngel_) April 25, 2020
Alohi Gilman is the first Chargers pick I hate. He wasn’t a position of need or one of the best talents available. His draft profile REEKS of Addae comparisons (small, slow, bad angles, low IQ) and he doesn’t seem to have much upside. Prince Tega and DPJ were still available pic.twitter.com/EA2mZ6MfSp
— Julian Glisson (@LittleTinyElvis) April 25, 2020
Feels like the #Chargers like Notre Dame players. Add Alohi Gilman. A ball player. Can play Strong Safety and in Box.
— The GOAT House (@GoatHouseNFL) April 25, 2020