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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the San Diego Chargers "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-16) Larry English, HYB (Northern Illinois): This pick certainly raises questions about Shawn Merriman’s ability to recover to full strength after missing all of last season due to injury. English will also provide insurance for the free agent to be should Merriman fully recover and bolt for the big bucks. Chargers’ GM A.J. Smith has never been shy about going against the grain. Many draftniks had English pegged for the late first/early second round. But San Diego has spoken and will be looking for English to make a statement. A more natural linebacker than most of the “hybrids”, English should be able to make the transition quickly.
(3-78) Louis Vasquez, OG (Texas Tech): The Super Chargers took the strongest guard at the Combine–a bench press beast. Vasquez was a mid-round guy and has the talent to start in the league, but this was still shocking with talents like Duke Robinson still on the board. They could have selected a player with huge upside in Herman Johnson or the very solid Kraig Urbik out of Wisky. Having said that, don’t be surprised if he works his way into the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
(4-113) Vaughn Martin, DT (Western Ontario): Martin is an extremely strong player that could play defensive end or nose tackle in the 3-4 and should provide some much needed depth along the defensive line. Martin isn’t a playmaker, so don’t look for too many sacks from the Canadian. What he does possess is the size and strength to battle in the trenches.
(4-133) Tyronne Green, OG (Auburn): Green is a solid player who should provide offensive line depth early on with the potential to join Vasquez in the starting lineup in a couple of years. With solid measurables in terms of size and athleticism, Green could be on the way up with his best football ahead of him. (Compensatory Pick)
 (4-134) Gartrell Johnson, RB (Colorado State): Johnson is a very tough inside runner and will be a great addition to the already-stacked Chargers’ backfield. If Tomlinson misses any time, Johnson would be a great complement to Darren Sproles and Jacob Hester. Bigger than Hester and less experienced as a blocker, Johnson is also a bit of ‘tweener—lacking ideal tailback speed but not a pure lead blocker. He should excel in short yardage situations, but has limited upside. (Compensatory Pick)
(5-148) Brandon Hughes, CB (Oregon State): Was this a pick with the Raiders in mind? Just kidding, but Hughes does provide some much needed speed to the Chargers’ defensive backfield. Hughes is a physical player with skills, and should provide depth behind Antonio Cromartie, Quentin Jammer and Antone Cason, with the potential to push the latter two for a starting role down the road.
(6-189) Kevin Ellison, S (USC): Ellison has first-round instincts and work ethic but lacks the speed needed to play the safety position. He might be able to play linebacker and be used as an in-the-box safety. At the very least, he will be a star on special teams. In the sixth round, his was a very nice value selection as the Chargers picked up a pure football player who should help in some capacity.
(7-224) Demetrius Byrd, WR (LSU): Byrd has first day talent but a sub-par senior season followed by a bad car accident that resulted in injuries hurt his stock. If he gets back to his normal form he could be the steal of day two and will challenge fellow LSU product Buster Davis for playing time. It was great to see the former Bayou Bengal hear his name called.
Draft Needs: OT, DE, OG, WR, RB, S
Needs Filled: Five of six.
The Bible’s Take: It’s hard to find a weak position on the Chargers’ talented roster. The pick of Larry English raised the question of whether or not the team is confident Shawn Merriman will be back to his dominating form. San Diego had to find a replacement for Mike Goff who went to KC, so they drafted two very talented guards. The team also added depth at several other positions and could have landed three potential sleepers with their last three picks. Smith did a great job of combining need with value throughout the entire draft, adding immediate impact role players, as well as some potential long-term answers.
Grade: B
Photo Credit: NIU Media Service, College Press Box (Colorado St.)
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