Chargers Roundtable: How should the team use their first round pick?
Hil:
The Los Angeles Chargers started off the 2017 football year with 4 straight heartbreaking losses. Although, they rebounded quickly and were able to finish with a 9-7 record. Unfortunately, the Chargers barely missed the playoffs under first-year coach Anthony Lynn.
The Chargers look to make a playoff run this year and it is imperative with quarterback Phillip Rivers nearing retirement. One of the more pressing issues is who will they will draft in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. They have the 17th pick in the draft.
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The Chargers seem to have their offensive positions locked down for the most part at wide receiver with Keenan Allen and some solid depth behind him. They also have Melvin Gordon as well and depth behind him as well. The defense looks good at corner with Casey Hayward and Jason Verrett.
However, one place on defense they could look into the draft is a free safety. I think the one player they should look into is Derwin James from Florida St.
According to NFL pro scouts, he is being compared to Eric Berry. Some strengths of James include leadership qualities, good open field tackler, and great blitzer. He also possesses great versatility and can line up anywhere on the field if needed.
Some weaknesses include slow read and reaction time, needing to improve pursuing angles, and also his injury history.
Derwin had been part of the Seminoles for three seasons. He was impactful in his freshman season, then tore his ACL in his sophomore season, and rebounded strongly in his junior season.
Except for his injury-plagued sophomore season, Derwin was the most impactful player during his stay in Florida State and could be for the Chargers if they choose to select him in the draft.