Chargers Put Jolt in Draft with Another Trade

The Chargers came into this off season needing very little to shore up their team. With the LT trade, they were able to get the pieces moving and start to change things around a little. By draft time, there was little that the team needed. There has been a lot of speculation as to who the Chargers would pick, but everyone knew that they would not be making many selections this year. There was to be a lot of trading up to ensure quality over quantity. Day one was a prime example of this with the trade to Miami for the 12^th slot that landed Mathews. Day two was no different. The Chargers traded the 'Niners two picks from this year's draft and one from next year to move up twelve spots to get the one they wanted. The one they wanted was Donald Butler, the Inside Line Backer form Washington State. This move may be a little surprising to some, since the Chargers are not in need of a line backer, but there are some reasons for it.

For the most part, the holes that the Chargers do have can not really be solved with the remaining players in the draft. This is why everyone could foresee San Diego trading away several picks to land quality players in a higher slot. If they are in danger of loosing the man they want, the Chargers will act quickly to jump ahead and snatch them up. San Diego knew they want Mathews and when another team threatened that, they pounced. They also knew that they wanted Butler. When another team looked to select him, the Chargers moved ahead and got him as well.

While Donald Butler is not the greatest line backer in the game, he is pretty solid at the position. Butler is someone that can be great. This is why the Chargers did not sacrifice a lot for him, but they were willing to give some to bring him to San Diego. He has average speed for his position, and he is sporadic in his coverage and lines. With a little training and guidance, Butler can be a huge piece to this Charger defense. With them set to loose Merriman (restricted free agent this year), Butler could be his replacement. The skills are there, but Butler is very raw. He will not likely get a lot of playing time this next season, since the defensive back field is pretty full, but he will get training. The true motivation is that Smith does not see any top notch line backers in next years draft and Butler's style and attitude fit the Chargers team. This is more of a selection for the 2011 season though. Do not expect to see a lot of Butler, as of yet, until then. He will be here to train under the other guys on the team. With most of the D Backs' contracts expiring after this next year, he is there to fill a hole before it happens. There is also the possibility that several of these defensive backs are about to be trade bait. San Diego may move several more backers to fill one of their other needs.

No matter what continues to pan out in the Draft for the Chargers, one thing is for sure, A.J. Smith will keep you guessing on his next move. There are still holes to fill, but the draft pool is depleting quickly. Who knows what will happen on Day 3.

Sources:

NFL Trade Tracker

Live ESPN television coverage of the Draft.