Start from the beginning: Detroit Lions
Previous Pick: Houston Texans
16. San Diego Chargers
-Vontae Davis (CB/Illinois)
- Vontae Davis (NFL.com)
Chargers VP of operations loves drafting cornerbacks in the first round. In fact, he has selected 3 of them in or around the 20th pick since 2003. No other position has he drafted more than once in the first round. Furthermore, he prefers tall corners (all cornerbacks selected in 1st round are 6’0 or taller). Vontae Davis is extremely talented, and is just shy of 6’0 tall. He would also provide additional help for the NFL’s 2nd worst pass defense.
- Andre Smith (OT/Alabama)
- Andre Smith (NFL.com)
Word around the water cooler is that the Chargers aren’t particularly happy with the performance of RT Jeromey Clary. If this is true (he did allow 6.5 sacks), then I think they will consider adding Andre Smith to their line. Sports Illustrated published an article prior to the season outlining the best units in the NFL. They chose the Chargers offensive line as the best in the league. But they certainly didn’t look the part in 2008. So I could reasonably see them opting for Smith if he is still available.
San Diego has the luxury of choosing the best player available because they really don’t have too many glaring weaknesses outside of offensive guard, which can be addressed in round 2 or later.
Many believe Rey Maualuga is a definite possibility here, but I don’t see that happening for two reasons.
First, he should be gone by now.
Second, A.J. Smith has not selected an inside linebacker before the 3rd round…ever. That’s not to say he won’t choose an ILB, but it isn’t plausible.
Next on the clock: New York Jets
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Hey there,
I’d be really surprised if the Chargers took a corner in the first round for the second consecutive year. There are already rumors swirling that the Bolts are looking to trade Antonio Cromartie if they resign Drayton Florence because (last year’s first-rounder) Antoine Cason is ready to start, too.
Of course, their priorities could change drastically if LT doesn’t agree to a price cut. They’d need someone back there with Sproles.
Well you cant rule it out because of Smith’s tendency to draft that position so highly on a regular basis. But your point is taken. They might not be able to target some of their most needed positions in round 1, so corner may be an appealing backup choice.