[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”]
[et_pb_row admin_label=”row”]
[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]
A little insight into the draft strategy of Hortiz and Alexander. This seems to mesh closely with what I've always followed.
Yes, BPA is the goal....but drafting pure BPA is seldom attained. Few teams in the salary cap era are so stacked that they can do that. There's always some level of need involved. Of course free agency is a factor. Depth of class. Scheme fit. Team board differences. The big thing, as noted in the article, is to not overreach or get stuck drafting the wrong player/position.
Excited to see their entire roster building process this year when there's less cap pressure.
https://www.chargers.com/news/draft-picks-2025-combine
I haven't seen this take anywhere, but is there a way that Nick Emmanwori could be in play for our pick at 1.22 if available? The secondary would have the potential to be the best in the NFL. I have loved him since the fall and he just tested out of this world. Adding him to the secondary prepares us for Gilman's departure next offseason and gives us great depth for the season. If we signed back Mack, added a CB1 in FA and then drafted Emmanwori, the secondary would be so good it could make what we have in pass rush viable. Not saying it would happen, but damn it is fun to think about what Minter could do with all that secondary talent.
My philosophy is to have a dominant line over a top tier secondary. I think a good pass rush (plus ability to stop the run) has a lot bigger effect on the secondary, than vice versa.
I think its also important to spend premium draft picks on the more expensive positions. Safety is in the bottom third and they're already paying Derwin a lot.
I think Telesco liked to build teams through the "splash" positions like CB, WR, and he did pay a lot for Edge but he ignored the IDL and struggled mightily with OL.
I don't expect Hortiz to do the same.
@blue-beers Agreed. I think we have seen the roster building philosophy take shape last year, but I wonder when value eclipses philosophy? Emmanwori could present that option if available. Fun exercise to consider, however remote the possibility. I will say that I would prefer Emmanwori over a RB in Rd1 if those were the options.
@evolz3737 My thoughts on this are likely to change after free agency, but I still think given the likely cluster of available players at 22 that the Chargers go Edge or IDL. IOL I think falls right after those.
Anything like WR, TE, RB or DB would surprise me as of now, but again I guess my whole opinion could change after FA.
Since we are on the verge of Free Agency, and not knowing how the roster will look before the draft in April, this list will change, but from all the tape I watched so far and looking at a bunch of mocks, these are the order I would rank the players most likely available at 1.22
1. Colston Loveland
2. James Pearce
3. Donovan Ezeiruaku
4. Kenneth Grant
5. Grey Zabel
6. Armond Membou
7. Walter Nolan
8. Jahdae Barron
9. Nic Scourton
10. Derrick Harmon
11. Emeka Egbuka
12. Tyleik Williams
13. Will Johnson
14. Nick Emmanwori
15. Donovan Jackson
I did not include Mike Green, Shemar Stewart, Jalon Walker, Tyler Warren, Ashton Jeanty or other popular names that will never make it to 1.22. All the players listed are reasonably expected to be available within the vicinity of pick 1.22. Walter Nolan has probably had the rangiest mock ADP, so I think he has an outside chance to fall to 1.22, which is why he is included here. However, just based off his tape he is probably a top 15 player IMO. Omarion Hampton is probably a top 15 talent as well, but I have no interest in selecting a RB in Rd1, especially in this class which is why he did not make this list.
@evolz3737 This is a great list and pretty similar to my thoughts as well. My main difference would be that I would have Loveland lower. I'd prefer a trench player.
@evolz3737 Based on everything I have read and heard, I'd be surprised if Loveland and Grant are there at 22.
@tau837 Maybe not, but they should be within 3-5 picks of 22 so definitely in play for a small trade up if possible.
[/et_pb_row]
[/et_pb_section]
