2010 NFL Draft Team Analysis: San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers were very busy in this year's NFL Draft. With one of the biggest surprise trades in the first round, to the no trade grab in their final pick, the Chargers covered quite a few of their needs. San Diego went into this draft with several spots that needed reinforcement. There were no gaping holes in the team but several thin areas that needed attention. The only thing that they have left on the shopping list is an outside linebacker and cornerback to be right where they want to be when the season opens in September. With the pieces added in the draft and the few trades that are left for A.J. Smith to perform, this is going to be an interesting August. There are several competitions that will ensue for a spot on the regular season roster. This draft has given some options and choices to the team so that they can be in great position for the regular season. Here is a look at what the Chargers were able to accomplish in this year's draft.

Ryan Mathews (Running Back, Fresno State, 12^th Overall Pick)

Ryan Mathews was considered one of the best running backs in the draft this year. With the loss of LT to the Jets, the Chargers felt the need to stock up in this position. While Darren Sproles is shaping up to be one of the best running backs to ever play for the Chargers, "Tank" can't do it all himself and needs a backup. This is where Mathews comes in. While his speed is just average for the position, he is a heads up player that can really read a defense and find any hole. He is also great at shaking off tackles. Under the tutelage of Sproles, he can be the next franchise player to come up in the ranks. Mathews had an awesome showing in college and there were several teams chomping at the bit for this guy. This is the reason that San Diego traded quite a bit to get ahead of the Texans in the draft. Trading Tim Dobbins and their first, second and fourth round picks, the Chargers jumped to the 12^th spot in the first round. This proved just enough to nab Mathews from the other teams eager to snatch him up in the Draft.

Donald Butler (Linebacker, Washington, 79^th Overall Pick)

Considering that after the 2010 season is over the Chargers will lose most of their defensive backs, Donald Butler was a very likely choice for them. Butler is a solid inside back. With the possible loss of Merriman this season to restricted free agency, there will be a hole in the defense. Butler may get a little time there this season, but you will likely see him leading the backers in '11. While he was outstanding for Washington last season, many people don't see him being ready for at least a full season from now. With a lot of power and his ability to find the plays, he has huge potential. The only thing that Butler lacks is solid training in his position. His lines to the plays and the routes that he follows can be sporadic and indirect at times. A little help and mentoring from Merriman (if he stays) may make this kid one of the all time greats. He surely shows the potential.

Darrell Stuckey (Free Safety, Kansas State, 110^th Overall)

Darrell Stuckey may emerge as one of the biggest sleepers to ever emerge from the draft. This is what the Chargers are hoping for. Stuckey is a superior playmaker. Known as a ball hawk, he is one of the best safeties in the NCAA last season and may make a solid impact on the Chargers' roster in 2010. With lightning speed and an almost unnatural ability to be where the ball is, Stuckey shows the ability to be a great safety. With Eric Weddle currently filling the spot, Stuckey will likely have to wait a year or two to see an everyday spot, but he will be a great backup while he learns the ropes and gets the chance to prove that he can be a play maker at the pro level.

Cam Thomas (Defensive Tackle, North Carolina, 146^th Overall)

It was amazing to see Cam Thomas fall this far in the draft. Thomas is a stellar lineman that is a perfect nose tackle for the Chargers. His ability to take a double team and his sheer strength is just amazing. Luckily the Chargers were the only ones to need a quality nose tackle. This allowed Thomas to last in the pool until the fifth round. Thomas may be able to fill a hole for the Chargers and his strength and ability may see him getting a lot of game time this year.

Jonathan Crompton (Quarterback, Tennessee, 168^th Overall)

With Phillip Rivers getting older, he needs a young prodigy to bring up as a replacement. This youngling looks to be Jonathan Crompton. Crompton has shown flashes of greatness, but with his injury history, many teams are not willing to take him. He is very injury prone and that is why the Chargers want to experiment now. If this plague continues to effect Crompton at the pro level, the Chargers can easily cut ties with this compensatory pick and suffer very little loss. If he can stay healthy and glean as much as he can from Rivers, he may find himself leading the team in a couple years. Crompton is more of a running QB than a passer like Rivers. With the new infusion of running talent and the upgrades they have made to this end, Crompton could be a good fit for the future team. His pass completion is a sad 58% at best, so look to the running game with this guy. While his passes are usually smooth and accurate, they are also easy to catch. This works for both the offense and defense. A little quality coaching and guidance, he could be stellar, as long as he can stay off the injured list.

Dedrick Epps (Tight End, Miami, 235^th Overall)

Dedrick Epps can fill a hole at tight end. With free agency taking away Brandon Malumaleuna, Epps may have a solid chance to show what he has in the preseason. He is at least looking at a back up position if he can impress the coaching staff. He is a little small for the position and while he can do the job, he has yet to show that he can excel at the position. Another problem for Epps is that while he can make the difficult catches look extremely easy, he often drops the routine catches that hit him perfectly. He is iffy at receiving passes, and does not have enough skills to be a good enough blocker at this level. If Epps can bulk up a little and prove that he can lay down some extreme punishment on the opposing team, he can land a starting role. Other than that, Epps looks to ride the pine for a couple seasons and be trade bait or just let go. Epps has the most to prove of all of the choices this season. This also explains why he was picked with the Charger's last choice.

There was a lot of trading and dealing in this season's draft, but the Chargers have almost rounded out their team. There are still a couple places where the Chargers can make some improvements, but with these selections, they appear to be a little deeper and better prepared for a long run next season. Butler and Thomas are almost guaranteed a spot on the team in 2010, and Mathews and Stuckey look to be at least a backup. Overall, this years draft was a pretty good success. Hopefully we won't have a repeat of the "Ryan Leaf Draft" with any of these guys.

Sources:

NFL Trade Tracker

NFL Draft Tracker - San Diego Chargers

ESPN's Live Draft Coverage (Televised)