Bolts From The Blue
@BFTB_Chargers
Gates "strongly considering" coaching role. Says it's down to that or radio broadcast option.
High Boltage
High Boltage
Bolts From The Blue
@BFTB_Chargers
Gates "strongly considering" coaching role. Says it's down to that or radio broadcast option.
High Boltage
2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND ONE, PICK THIRTY
JARED BARRETT
QUARTERBACK
TENNESSEE
6'4" | 219 | 21
The Scoop
The Chargers intended to draft a quarterback this year but did not expect to do it in the first round. When Barrett, thought of by many as a top 10 pick and the quarterback in the draft with the highest upside, fell to them at 30 it was a no-brainer for GM Tom Telesco.
“We had him at the top of our board for a long time.” Telesco explained. “We had tried to move into the top 15 to try and have a shot at him but the prices were too high so we stayed put and still got him.”
The team is hoping for an Aaron Rodgers situation with Barrett sitting behind Philip Rivers for a year or two before taking the reigns.
“Very excited.” Barrett said when interviewed after the draft. “This is a really great situation where I can come in and learn from one of the best and smartest quarterbacks in the league now and not get rushed into a tough situation.”
“Those teams picking at the top are there for a reason.” He answered when asked about being picked so low. “This is great, really excited.”
The Numbers
Barrett was a starter for two seasons at Tennessee.
He threw for 3,563 yards, 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 64% of his passes as a redshirt freshman in 2017 while rushing for 756 yards and eight scores.
As a redshirt sophomore he improved all those numbers, completing 71% of his passes for 4,103 yards, 41 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Barrett ran for 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Measurables
Barrett measured 6'4” and 216 pounds at the combine.
He ran a 4.63 second 40 yard dash, he also recorded a 29.7” vertical, a 9'9” broad jump.
Barrett ran the three cone in 7.06 seconds and did the shuttle in 4.25 seconds while putting up 22 reps in the bench press, all three tops for quarterbacks.
The Verdict
Many would argue that the Chargers had more immediate needs at other positions but with Rivers turning 37 and the perceived weakness of next years QB crop this is a great pick. You can't win in the NFL without a good quarterback and the Chargers likely avoided a dark period post Rivers.
High Boltage
2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND TWO, PICK THIRTY
MORRIS BOOTHE
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
PITTSBURGH
6'1" | 257 | 24
The Scoop
The Chargers went back and forth on this pick between Boothe and Duke's Shamare Salley.
“We went back and forth on this one for a bit.” Head coach Anthony Lynn explained. “Salley is a few years younger and we thought he may have a bit more of an upside. Ultimately we went with what we saw on the tape and that was that Boothe was the more talented player.”
“Really we loved the tape and we loved the interview even more.” GM Tom Telesco said. “He's a leader on and off the field is what we heard over and over again from teammates, coaches and even opponents. We're excited to see what he can do for our defense.”
The Numbers
Boothe started 27 games in three seasons at Pitt. He totaled 143 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a score.
The Measurables
Boothe measured 6'1” and 249 pounds at the combine.
Boothe managed a 4.85 second 40 and a 33.4” vertical leap. His 10'6” broad jump was 4th best for linebackers. The did the three cone in 7.24 seconds, the 20 yard shuttle in 4.38 seconds and put up 27 reps on the bench press.
The Verdict
Boothe should challenge for a starting linebacker spot, likely replacing Nwosu on 1st and second downs but coming off the field on third down and obvious passing situations. He should be an improvement against the run. He could fill in inside if needed. You'd love to get an every down type of guy in the second round but with how specialized the league had become this is a great pick.
“Boothe has a hell of a motor and a good understanding of the game. He should make an impact this season.” One AFC West scout wrote.
High Boltage
2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND THREE, PICK THIRTY
VICTOR BEDELL
LINEBACKER
TEXAS TECH
6'0" | 242 | 23
The Scoop
The Chargers found themselves grabbing another player that fell further than they expected at the end of the third round.
Bedell was expected to go at the top of the third round or even the bottom of the second and was on the teams radar for their second round pick if this had gone that way.
“We were watching and watching to see how far he would fall.” GM Tom Telesco explained. “We weren't sure about getting linebackers in back to back rounds but it came down to a best player available situation.”
The Numbers
Bedell was a four year starter for Texas Tech though he was a defensive end for his first two seasons.
In 42 games he totaled 228 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 7 sacks and five interceptions.
The Measurables
Bedell measured 5'11 7/8” and 238 pounds at the combine. He ran a 4.86 second 40, had a 31” vertical and a 10'3” broad jump.
He ran the three cone in 7.32 seconds, recorded a 4.46 in the 20 yard shuttle and put up 28 reps at the bench press.
The Verdict
Bedell made a significant impact as Texas Tech's “Mike” linebacker for the past two season. He doesn't necessarily have all the measurements you look for from a middle linebacker, he could be a bit faster and stronger. He'll likely back up Perryman in the middle and be used in sub packages for now.
Bedell will be an improvement over Dzubnar as depth behind Perryman but we would have liked to see this pick used for a different position, maybe offensive line or wide receiver. Bedell is a talented player and a good pick at this spot though.
High Boltage
2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND FOUR, PICK THIRTY
BEN GRESHAM
RUNNINGBACK
HAWAII
6'0" | 236 | 23
The Scoop
The Chargers wanted to add a short yardage power runner to their backfield and reportedly tried to sign Legarrette Blount last month. It wasn't a huge priority for the team but once again they found themselves looking at a talented player that fell to them later than they expected.
The Numbers
Gresham bounced around at a number of positions for Hawaii before settling in as their starting runningback in 2018. He carried the ball 227 times in the pass heavy offense, gaining 1,112 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns. Gresham caught six passes for 73 yards and one score.
The Measurables
Gresham measured 6'0” and 233 pounds at the combine. He ran a 4.71 40 yard dash, a 7.32 second three cone and a 4.5 second 20 yard shuttle. His vertical was 32.4” and his broad jump was 10'1”. He did 25 reps on the bench press.
The Verdict
Another luxury pick here for a team in desperate need of offensive linesmen. Gordon, Ekeler and Jackson make up one of the deepest backfields in the league and although none of them are a goal line bruiser they could get the job done more often than not.
The Chargers still don't seem to have an answer at right tackle after cutting Barksdale.
High Boltage
2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND FIVE, PICK THIRTY
CAMERON VERMIGLIO
WIDE RECEIVER
FRESNO STATE
6'5" | 230 | 23
The Scoop
Vermiglio is what a number of scouts would call a project player. Though he was primarily used as a tight end at Fresno State his size and skill set will more than likely make him a wide receiver at the NFL level unless he bulks up and improves exponentially as a blocker. Vermiglio relied on mismatches and ran a very basic route tree at Fresno State and was only a full time starter for one season. He will have a lot to learn.
The Numbers
Vermiglio caught 47 passes for 762 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018. He tallied 28 catches for 500 yards and six scores in 2017.
The Measurables
Vermiglio measured 6'5.25” and 227 pounds at the combine. He ran a 4.42 second 40 yard dash, did the three cone in 6.63 and put down a 4.03 at the 20 yard shuttle. His vertical was 30.3”, his broad jump was 9'3” and he did 12 reps on the bench press.
The Verdict
Vermiglio is a bit of a project player and may take a couple years to develop to his full potential. He has tremendous upside. This is a good pick from a talent standpoint but also seems like another luxury pick.
High Boltage
Bolts From The Blue
@BFTB_Chargers
The Chargers have traded their 2019 6th round pick to the Saints for their 2020 5th round pick. Next Chargers pick is round 7 pick 12.
High Boltage
2019 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE
ROUND SEVEN, PICK TWELVE
SHAKIM BLADE
LONG SNAPPER/TIGHT END
STONY BROOK
6'6" | 267 | 21
The Scoop
Blade is another project player that the Chargers took based on upside and also versatility. Blade started his college career at Florida as a long snapper but transferred to Stony Brook after his freshman season. As a sophomore he played in every game for Stony Brook as their long snapper as well as other spot appearances on special teams. Before his junior season the team had some injuries at the tight end position and Blade, who played the position in high school, was used as a fill in. He also played a handful of snaps at defensive end in pass rushing situations. As a senior Blade was the teams starting tight end and he played 203 snaps on defense.
“We love versatile players.” Tom Telesco explained. “I think everyone does to an extent.”
The Numbers
Blade tallied 62 receptions for 689 yards and six touchdowns while at Stony Brook. He recorded 15 tackles and three sacks.
The Measurables
Blade measured 6'6” and 261 pounds at the combine. Blade recorded a 29.9” vertical and a 9'10” broad jump. He did not participate in any other drills. He reportedly ran a 4.69 second 40 at some point while at Florida.
The Verdict
If Blade can win the starting long snapper position from 33 year old Mike Windt this will be a good pick. If he can contribute in other ways it will be an outstanding pick. Windt did a fine job last season but didn't do anything special.
High Boltage
Bolts From The Blue
@BFTB_Chargers
The Chargers have signed Brian Orakpo to a 1 year deal worth $6.95 million. Orakpo recorded 52 tackles, three sacks and an interception last season in Tennessee. He is expected to be the primary backup for Bosa and Ingram.
High Boltage
Bolts From The Blue
@BFTB_Chargers
Ryan Kalil has signed a 1 year deal with the Chargers. Expected to provide depth for the interior of the offensive line.