Chargers News: A Look at the Chargers Last Five Drafts

2014 – Telesco Year Two

Some Yay’s and Nay’s here.

In the first two rounds, the Bolts brought in two of my personal favorites to watch on the entire team: Jason Verrett and Jerry Attaochu. Verrett will look to play 16 games for the first time in his career, and if he can manage to do so, he could be regarded as a legit top five CB in the NFL. I am still waiting for Attaochu to make the leap to be a double-digit sack guy, but the guy will only be 23 years old heading into season three, and he showed a nice improvement starting 12 games last season.

Then the milk went sour. Chris Watt and Ryan Carrethers are still on the team, but that’s about where the positives end (if it is one). Maybe Chris Watt will give me a reason to shove my foot in my mouth with a career year in which…okay, I can’t even finish that sentence. Carrethers can’t pass up Lissemore on the depth chart, which says enough right there.

As for rounds 6 and 7 that year, it looks like the front office put the intern in charge while they caught an 18 hole-twilight round at Torrey Pines.

Intern: “ But…but Mr. Telesco, what do I do?”

Tommy: “ You went to Arizona State right? Go ahead and draft someone from there and then grab a fast guy with the other pick. Tee time is in 15 kid, I gotta run…”

2015 – Telesco Year Three

Let’s not hit the abort ship button just yet on Melvin Gordon. Yes he was a huge disappointment in his rookie campaign, but so was the entire team. It can be tough to run, let alone score a TD, receiving the handoff behind San Diego State’s scout team offensive line all season. Let’s see what he can do with (God willing) a healthy and consistent OL, along with Whisenhunt calling the plays.

The jury is still out on Mager, Emanuel, and Philon (and really the whole draft class), but let’s hope 2 out of the 3 can become solid backups. I like what I see from Emanuel, but he’s going to have to take some big steps in year 2, as he is an injury away from being a starter at OLB. Mager and Philon are further down the depth chart in their positions, so any progress next year would be nice bonuses. I just hope they don’t become “somebody that I used to know” like the players from AJ Smith’s last draft classes.

This brings me to Denzel Perryman, who was literally the only reason to keep watching Chargers games the last month of the season. Aftering only starting nine games last year, he didn’t receive a lot of love nationally. I think that changes next year. This guy is going to bring the intensity that this franchise has been missing at the heart of their defense. The Chargers finally have someone who their opponent is nervous about getting hit by (don’t even dare say Jahleel Addae). Denzel is my favorite player on this team right now.

I don’t remember Donald Butler doing anything close to this:

A lot can happen in the next two weeks. Maybe the Chargers find themselves a trading partner in attempt to obtain more picks. Maybe Telesco stands strong and takes his guy at # 3. Whatever his decision, he needs an instant impact player with the first pick who will start game one and for the foreseeable future. He can’t take fliers on the late round draft picks either. The Bolts currently have eight selections this year, and they need at least half of these rookies contending for starting positions come training camp.

If you want to add to the conversation, or tell me your concerns, get at me on Twitter @Lukelley

Luke Kelley

Born and raised in Chula Vista. Lifelong fan of Padres and SDSU (mens’ basketball and football). The former professional football team in San Diego used to be my favorite squad.

My first vivid memories of our beloved teams include witnessing Marshall Faulk and Darnay Scott torching teams in the WAC at the Murph, Tony Gwynn sandwiched in the lineup by Gary Sheffield and Fred McGriff.

Check me out on Twitter @Lukelley where there’s a link to my podcast: The LK Show.