CHARGERS 2015 DRAFT

By Ed Barrena

May 4, 2015 (San Diego) - The San Diego Chargers had the 17th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft this weekend, when college football’s biggest stars make the transition to professional sports in front of millions of TV viewers. This year’s draft featured a departure from tradition as the 3 day ceremony was held in Chicago instead of New York, where it had been previously held every year since 1963.

Quarterback Jameis Winston of Florida State was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  There had been rumors that the Chargers might trade Philip Rivers to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for the number two selection, in order to draft QB Marcus Mariota from Oregon. But he was selected at number two overall by The Titans with no trade announced. The Chargers did however trade up with The San Francisco 49ers, who had the 15th selection in the draft. Upon announcement of the trade NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took to the podium and stated that The Bolts had selected Melvin Gordon, a Running Back from Wisconsin, who came on stage and gave the commissioner a warm embrace. Joy could be seen in the young athlete’s expression as he received his Chargers jersey and became a professional NFL football player. 

Melvin Gordon looks like he can provide a much needed spark in the running game with size and toughness. His stats from college football are very impressive and comparable to the college career that Chargers great Ladanian Tomlinson had. NFL analysts have compared him physically to current league standout at the position, Kansas City Chief Jamaal Charles.

In the subsequent rounds of the draft The Bolts shored up their depth on defense and added players that could make an immediate impact on special teams. In the 2nd round they selected Inside Linebacker, Denzel Perryman from Miami. He is known as a "thumper" which describes his ability to make contact, and tackle an offensive player while remaining on his feet. He is fierce, and his form is clean so he could provide some big hits without drawing penalty flags.

In the 3rd round the Chargers selected cornerback Craig Mager. According to analysts, he has faced adversity, and has a level of maturity that is rare in young players. He will be a solid addition to a backfield that already looks to be one of the best in the NFL with players like Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers and Eric Weddle leading the way.

The final draft selections by the team were Outside Linebacker Kyle Emmanuel from North Dakota State, and Darius Philon, who played Defensive Tackle at Arkansas.  They were selected in the 5^th and 6^th rounds respectively. Both have potential to become great players in the future and will likely provide an impact on special teams this year. 

The Chargers also announced they had reached terms with 21 undrafted free agents. These players will be part of the team’s offseason program and are likely see some playing time during the preseason, after which some will be sent to the training squad or cut from the team.

Despite the stadium issue hanging doubts over the long term future of the franchise, the Chargers 2015 season looks to be a good one, with Head Coach Mike McCoy fielding perhaps his best team since coming to San Diego. With Gordon at running back and the addition of depth on defense, the draft has given the team some confidence moving forward toward training camp.