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XLIII'S MOCK DRAFT
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Charges
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XLIII DRAFTING FOR THEChargers
Draft Selections
Draft Grade — Chargers
Overall
C+
ValueC
NeedB
TradesB-
FutureB-
The jury is out on the Chargers. For now, C+. The Chargers clearly saw something nobody else did in Oronde Gadsden II, taking him 49 picks ahead of his grade. The board is not convinced. Fine in stretches, shaky in others: a C+.
If this class has a fault line, it runs straight through interior defensive lineman. Spending an early pick on defensive back with interior defensive lineman, cornerback and other spots open is the decision the grade keeps circling back to.
Edge rusher is handled and the depth chart looks a good deal healthier for it. The trenches got the money picks, top to bottom.
If Jonah Savaiinaea and a couple of the gambles land, hindsight will be kinder than this grade.
Pick Analysis
Pick15
Rnd1
Jonah Savaiinaea
In pick No. 15 they get an anchor for the offensive line, even if it was a touch early. A real need, handled.
Pick47
Rnd2
Parker Brailsford
A reach for Parker Brailsford in No. 47; a little patience would have been rewarded. One more legitimate question on the roster, answered.
Pick79
Rnd3
Luke Lachey
Luke Lachey in the 79th pick is early enough to raise a brow, if not a full objection. It shores up a spot that genuinely needed the help.
Pick111
Rnd4
Nick Emmanwori
A curious use of Round 4, Pick 15. Interior defensive lineman, cornerback and other spots needed the pick; a defensive back in Nick Emmanwori did not.
Pick143
Rnd5
Que Robinson
This one needs a full-page explanation: Que Robinson in the Round 5 slot, miles early. The biggest hole on the depth chart just got a whole lot smaller.
Pick162
Rnd6
Jayden Higgins
Good price on Jayden Higgins in slot 162, a hair ahead of his grade with no real quibbles. Better still, it is exactly the hole they had to fill.
Pick175
Rnd6
Jimmy Horn Jr.
They left a pile of value on the table to take Jimmy Horn Jr. this early at slot 175. The one spot they could not leave alone, and did not.
Pick207
Rnd7
Cody Simon
They paid a round early for Cody Simon in the 207th pick, more than the board wanted. Depth more than a fix, but depth they can use.
Pick209
Rnd7
Oronde Gadsden II
They talked themselves into Oronde Gadsden II at No. 209, and the board did not agree. A sensible fit that makes the depth chart a little sturdier.









