AFC West Preview: Los Angeles Chargers will contend again
By Ellen Mathis
Notable Rookies
The Chargers drafted Jerry Tillery with the 28th overall pick, a defensive tackle from Notre Dame. The major concern with Tillery is his offseason surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder. While he reported that he should be good to go four months from March 6, it remains to be seen. He is back practicing and figures to have the typical rookie learning curve in addition to missing spring workouts. However, Tillery combined with the pass rush of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram looks to be a pretty stout defensive line.
The Chargers drafted Nasir Adderley in the second round to fill in after the Chargers released safety Jahleel Addae. He will certainly factor in heavily with the injury to Derwin James. In the third round, the Chargers drafted an offensive tackle out of Sioux Falls named Trey Pipkins. He is a developmental prospect that won’t likely see much playing time this year.
In the fourth, the Chargers added Notre Dame linebacker Drue Tranquill and he’s earned solid grades this preseason. The last notable draft pick was quarterback Easton Stick out of North Dakota State. He will be the third string quarterback behind Rivers and Tyrod Taylor and, unless the Chargers are truly cursed, won’t see the field anytime soon.