San Diego Chargers
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The 2009 NFL Draft Review
The San Diego Chargers managed to get into the playoffs last year and even win a game but they just didn’t have what it took to get to the Super Bowl. This draft was a key draft for them because it would have allowed them to fill some of the holes that they had and while they managed to do that to a certain degree, they closed out the 2009 NFL Draft still in need of a few key pieces.
The following is a player look at the Charger’s draft this year. At the end of the article there will be an overall grade for the Charger’s draft.
Larry English-DE/OLB-Northern Illinois picked 1st (16th)
The Chargers needed a compliment to linebacker Shawne Merriman and they got it when they made English their first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. While it may have been a bit of a reach to take English with the 16th pick in the first round if he does develop he will give the Chargers one of the most dangerous pass rushing defenses in the NFL. This could help get the Chargers closer to their goal of making the Super Bowl.
Louis Vasquez-OG-Texas Tech picked 3rd (78th)
The Chargers needed some help on the offensive line and picked one of the toughest and strongest players in the draft with their third pick filling a need that they had and drafting a potential starter. If Vasquez picks things up quickly, he could contend for a starting spot in 2009.
Vaughn Martin-DT-Western Ontario picked 4th (113th)
The Chargers may have reached a bit here as well but Martin, who played in Canada, is a promising prospect with a lot of upside. He is another player who, if he can develop, could be a real find for the Chargers in this draft.
Tyronne Greene-OG-Auburn picked 4th (33rd)
San Diego went for some additional depth on the offensive line by taking Green and Green has a great chance of making the active roster at the end of training camp. The Chargers really did well adding some depth to the offensive line in this year’s draft.
Gartrell Johnson-RB-Colorado State picked 4th (134th)
The Chargers probably could have used a higher pick on a running back especially since it looks like this may quite possibly be LaDanlian Tomlinson’s final season with the team. Johnson is a good backup but he doesn’t have starting potential so the Chargers will have to seek someone with starting potential out in next year’s draft.
Brandon Hughes-CB-Oregon State picked 5th (148th)
Hughes is a depth pick who can play in the nickel and on special teams. He is an interesting prospect with a lot of upside.
Kevin Ellison-S-USC picked 6th (189th)
Ellison is a true student of the game and one of the better picks by the Chargers in this draft. What he lacks in athleticism he more than makes up for in intelligence and ability and could be a potential steal for the Chargers at this point in the draft.
Demetrius Byrd-WR-LSU picked 7th (224th)
Somewhat of a questionable selection after Byrd was involved in a car accident shortly before the draft, the Chargers may have gotten a bit of a steal here if he can come back healthy and ready to play after his accident.
The Chargers may have needed to do more on their defensive line to help shore up some of the holes that will be there at the start of training camp in and in the next season or two. As stated, Tomlinson isn’t going to be around for much longer so getting a good running back was a must in this draft. They do have some leeway thanks to Darren Sproles being there but they should start developing the “heir apparent” right away. If English manages to come on strong during his first season, he and Merriman could easily help make this one of the better defenses in the AFC.
Grade: B-
