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Chargers 2007 draft thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Sigmund Bloom
- Start date
jdraiders
Footballguy
A new coach
Despyzer
Lousy Attention Whore
Bowe, possibly... Rice, no way. The Chargers might be willing to pick a WR that has dropped to them, but they will not reach for one, not a chance.Safety is a bigger need, but I don't think Weddle is worth the 30th pick.
I think they would go with Johnson out of these four.
Is this based on who we generally think may be available, or is it based on a specific hypothetical list of picks 1-29, such that we know for sure that Bowe is there but Meachem is not, etc.?
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Despyzer
Lousy Attention Whore
I think we are supposed to click on that link and take on of those four, based on the commentary.
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
they wont take a round1 WR.
Best secondary player available maybe LB if the value is there
Best secondary player available maybe LB if the value is there
Gold Plated Nails
Footballguy
I think it just depends on their draft board. If they have say Bowe ranked as a top 15 pick and he slides down I think they take him no sweat. They just won't reach for a WR (or any position) with their first pick, AJ does a good job staying true to his draft board, ask Charlie Whitehurst.
The two biggest areas of need are safety and wide receiver, but any position is in play other than quarterback, kicker, and punter.
Sean Baca says the Chargers should pick Dwayne Bowe. This would be an interesting pick because it would give the Chargers another big WR who can run-block well (in addition to Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd). It'd be a heck of a "gold zone" package with Gates, Jackson, Bowe, and Floyd.
The drawback I see with Bowe, even though I like him a lot as a player, is that he is pretty similar to what Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd already bring to the table. Bowe is probably better on underneath routes while he may not be able to get deep as well as Jackson, but overall I see them as being fairly similar.
I personally would prefer Bloom's pick, Sidney Rice, because I think he adds something the Chargers don't already have at the position. I don't think he'll necessarily be a better NFL WR than Bowe (I'd rank them pretty evenly), but I think he's a better fit for the Chargers. He'd give Rivers a solid mid-range target who can run every kind of pattern.
EBF mentions Anthony Gonzalez, and although he might be considered a reach in the first round, it's a reach I wouldn't mind at all. Like Rice, he is a quick WR who can run all the patterns, and he's also a very high character guy with good intelligence. I think he'd fit in with what the Chargers are looking for pretty well.
All that said, even though WR is a big position of need for the Chargers, I agree with b_s_s that the Chargers probably won't spend a first-round pick on a WR.
Marc Faletti has the Chargers picking Charles Johnson. Defensive end is not a position of need, other than for depth. Igor Olshansky and especially Luis Castillo have played at a very high level. But depth is always important and having a third stud to rotate in and keep everyone fresh would come in handy. Johnson would probably be just a situational player used on passing downs, and might make more sense for a 4-3 team than for the Chargers. But if AJ Smith considers Johnson to be the best player on the board at the time of the Chargers' pick, taking a DE in the first round is the kind of thing I could see him doing (again).
Cecil Lammey has the Chargers picking Eric Weddle. I like Weddle a lot as a player, and safety is a definite position of need -- it is probably the greatest team need -- but picking Weddle in the first round is probably a reach. I'd love it if he dropped to the Chargers' second pick at #62. A more likely pick at #30 might be Brandon Meriweather, Reggie Nelson, maybe Michael Griffin. As with Anthony Gonzalez, however, I wouldn't terribly mind it if the Chargers do reach for Weddle.
I've seen Paul Posluszny as the Chargers' pick in several mock drafts, but they'd have to get lucky for him to drop that far. I like Joe Staley with the possibility of moving him back to the right side where he could play either tackle or guard, and Justin Blalock would immediately challenge Shane Olivea at RT. We also can't rule out a CB, maybe Marcus McCauley or Aaron Ross, since Florence will be a free agent after 2007.
Of the four picks suggested by the NFLDraftGuys guys, my vote would be for Sidney Rice.
Sean Baca says the Chargers should pick Dwayne Bowe. This would be an interesting pick because it would give the Chargers another big WR who can run-block well (in addition to Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd). It'd be a heck of a "gold zone" package with Gates, Jackson, Bowe, and Floyd.
The drawback I see with Bowe, even though I like him a lot as a player, is that he is pretty similar to what Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd already bring to the table. Bowe is probably better on underneath routes while he may not be able to get deep as well as Jackson, but overall I see them as being fairly similar.
I personally would prefer Bloom's pick, Sidney Rice, because I think he adds something the Chargers don't already have at the position. I don't think he'll necessarily be a better NFL WR than Bowe (I'd rank them pretty evenly), but I think he's a better fit for the Chargers. He'd give Rivers a solid mid-range target who can run every kind of pattern.
EBF mentions Anthony Gonzalez, and although he might be considered a reach in the first round, it's a reach I wouldn't mind at all. Like Rice, he is a quick WR who can run all the patterns, and he's also a very high character guy with good intelligence. I think he'd fit in with what the Chargers are looking for pretty well.
All that said, even though WR is a big position of need for the Chargers, I agree with b_s_s that the Chargers probably won't spend a first-round pick on a WR.
Marc Faletti has the Chargers picking Charles Johnson. Defensive end is not a position of need, other than for depth. Igor Olshansky and especially Luis Castillo have played at a very high level. But depth is always important and having a third stud to rotate in and keep everyone fresh would come in handy. Johnson would probably be just a situational player used on passing downs, and might make more sense for a 4-3 team than for the Chargers. But if AJ Smith considers Johnson to be the best player on the board at the time of the Chargers' pick, taking a DE in the first round is the kind of thing I could see him doing (again).
Cecil Lammey has the Chargers picking Eric Weddle. I like Weddle a lot as a player, and safety is a definite position of need -- it is probably the greatest team need -- but picking Weddle in the first round is probably a reach. I'd love it if he dropped to the Chargers' second pick at #62. A more likely pick at #30 might be Brandon Meriweather, Reggie Nelson, maybe Michael Griffin. As with Anthony Gonzalez, however, I wouldn't terribly mind it if the Chargers do reach for Weddle.
I've seen Paul Posluszny as the Chargers' pick in several mock drafts, but they'd have to get lucky for him to drop that far. I like Joe Staley with the possibility of moving him back to the right side where he could play either tackle or guard, and Justin Blalock would immediately challenge Shane Olivea at RT. We also can't rule out a CB, maybe Marcus McCauley or Aaron Ross, since Florence will be a free agent after 2007.
Of the four picks suggested by the NFLDraftGuys guys, my vote would be for Sidney Rice.
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We've all been mocking the first pick by pick since March and have committed to staying with the draft we are projecting, so there are 29 players that we can not take.
EBF
Footballguy
On the WRs:
- I'll be very surprised if Bowe falls to 30. He certainly shouldn't.
- Gonzalez seems to have made a late move up. He doesn't have the upside of some of the other receivers in the draft, but he's a high character guy who makes an impact on the field. A rich man's Eric Parker maybe.
- Rice looks solid for the 2nd round. I'll be surprised if he goes higher than 35.
- I'll be very surprised if Bowe falls to 30. He certainly shouldn't.
- Gonzalez seems to have made a late move up. He doesn't have the upside of some of the other receivers in the draft, but he's a high character guy who makes an impact on the field. A rich man's Eric Parker maybe.
- Rice looks solid for the 2nd round. I'll be surprised if he goes higher than 35.
Gr00vus
Footballguy
A.J. has made it pretty clear they're going to go BPA excepting offensive lineman, kickers and QB. He usually follows that up with saying it could very likely be a linebacker, and considering Foley, Godfrey and Edwards have all left the team (at this time) since the start of last year, and they'll have 2 new starters on the inside, I think it's very likely it'll be an LB.
Which LB's in that pick range would be worth considering?
ETA: in relation to receivers, A.J. has said that what the team needs is a big play/playmaker guy. Unless that's available to them for the right value at that pick I don't think he takes WR.
Which LB's in that pick range would be worth considering?
ETA: in relation to receivers, A.J. has said that what the team needs is a big play/playmaker guy. Unless that's available to them for the right value at that pick I don't think he takes WR.
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Despyzer
Lousy Attention Whore
It's not beyond the realm of possibility that either Posluszny or Timmons could slide here.I also wouldn't rule out Weddle being available when the Bolts pick in the second round. Remember last year when we were afraid that Marcus McNeil might not be available at 19?
BoltBacker
Footballguy
It's not a very exciting or sexy pick but I really think SD should focus on drafting a run-stopping NT to groom behind 31yo Jamal Williams.
If LT got hurt I'd feel pretty comfortable with MT getting extended playing time for a stretch of games. Losing Rivers would be a big blow but Volek should prove servicable when surrounded by a very talented offense. IMO the single injury that could end the SD season might be a big injury to Williams. The SD defense up the middle would read like this; NT-Bingham, ILB's- Wilhelm/Cooper, S's- McCree/Hart. That's the lineup that has to stop Larry Johnson, the DEN running game, and Lamont Jordan in their division.
Ideally, you'd think with all the young players SD has inked to long term deals they might be willing to package several picks and trade up far enough to get a real difference maker to start at ILB or S(Landry or Willis in the #6-#11 range) but that doesn't seem like AJ's style and it's hard to argue with his drafting success as of late.
If LT got hurt I'd feel pretty comfortable with MT getting extended playing time for a stretch of games. Losing Rivers would be a big blow but Volek should prove servicable when surrounded by a very talented offense. IMO the single injury that could end the SD season might be a big injury to Williams. The SD defense up the middle would read like this; NT-Bingham, ILB's- Wilhelm/Cooper, S's- McCree/Hart. That's the lineup that has to stop Larry Johnson, the DEN running game, and Lamont Jordan in their division.
Ideally, you'd think with all the young players SD has inked to long term deals they might be willing to package several picks and trade up far enough to get a real difference maker to start at ILB or S(Landry or Willis in the #6-#11 range) but that doesn't seem like AJ's style and it's hard to argue with his drafting success as of late.
Beerguzzler
Footballguy
I really just don't see AJ picking a WR in the 1st round when the class is so deep. A 3rd WR/Slot player (if that) will not immediately impact the team. Drafting defense, however, will have more of an impact on the team THIS year. A LB, D-Lineman, or S will see the field way more often then a 4th WR will. Don't forget the rook still needs to outplay Parker and Floyd to crack the top 3 along with VJ. Coupled with the fact that we play Gates out wide with Mana lined up at TE, the chances of a rook WR making a large impact just doesn't seem that realistic this year.
Don't think for a second that AJ is not thinking about drafting an impact player that can contribute immediately.
My prediction would be the top LB available just because it seems that a 3-4 LB won't be rated that highly by all the teams since only 9 run the defense and AJ will have the guy still highly rated and will take the best available player. Don't forget that we have ZERO depth at the LB position after losing our starting 2 ILB in Edwards and Godfrey.
Don't think for a second that AJ is not thinking about drafting an impact player that can contribute immediately.
My prediction would be the top LB available just because it seems that a 3-4 LB won't be rated that highly by all the teams since only 9 run the defense and AJ will have the guy still highly rated and will take the best available player. Don't forget that we have ZERO depth at the LB position after losing our starting 2 ILB in Edwards and Godfrey.
Sean Baca
Footballguy
ATC1
Footballguy
Geaux Tigers!!!
John Murphy's take: In most other offenses, he would have been the shining star and top target of the signal caller. He flashes big-play ability as both a receiver and return man. He has run between mid-4.3 to 4.4 40 times in his workouts. He has good size, but he does not break tackles or play that physical. Not much of a blocker, Davis prefers outside or vertical routes but can come around and produce good results on reverses. He has good hands and will come back for the ball. An excellent all-around athlete that can out-leap corners for the ball, Davis can also be knocked off his routes at times. He has the tools to develop into a starting receiver and seems similar to Bernard Berrian.
Murphy's update: Of the receivers available, this selection may come as a surprise over prospects like Anthony Gonzalez and Dwayne Jarrett. But Davis has better straight-line speed than both of them and he's probably a better complement to Vincent Jackson and San Diego's other wideouts. Davis is a big-play guy and will give the Chargers a vertical threat in their offense next season. He's also a guy that is very well thought of following his superb week at the Senior Bowl. I had him going as the first receiver in the second round, so this is not a reach
---
TSN's Warroom:
Strengths: Shows the quick footwork, explosiveness and speed to stretch the field and make big plays. Is elusive. Shows the burst and hip movements to make would-be tacklers miss. Has the strength and balance to absorb hits and keep on going. Runs sharp, precise routes. Shows consistent burst out of cuts to separate from man-to-man coverage. Can set up and turn around cornerbacks. Shows good hands. Plucks high passes without slowing, adjusts to poor throws and makes tough catches. Has ability to be a return man.
Weaknesses: Didn't have great college stats. Doesn't break many tackles, and occasionally goes down immediately. Can be nonchalant, especially on low passes. Looks shorter and lighter than his measured size.
Bottom line: LSU's depth limited Davis' production, but he is capable of better. He will get separate from man-to-man coverage and shows the size, speed, explosiveness and hands make big plays downfield. Davis is a potential sleeper and will be drafted lower than he deserves, but he will be a productive NFL receiver and a consistent touchdown threat
Murphy's update: Of the receivers available, this selection may come as a surprise over prospects like Anthony Gonzalez and Dwayne Jarrett. But Davis has better straight-line speed than both of them and he's probably a better complement to Vincent Jackson and San Diego's other wideouts. Davis is a big-play guy and will give the Chargers a vertical threat in their offense next season. He's also a guy that is very well thought of following his superb week at the Senior Bowl. I had him going as the first receiver in the second round, so this is not a reach
---
TSN's Warroom:
Strengths: Shows the quick footwork, explosiveness and speed to stretch the field and make big plays. Is elusive. Shows the burst and hip movements to make would-be tacklers miss. Has the strength and balance to absorb hits and keep on going. Runs sharp, precise routes. Shows consistent burst out of cuts to separate from man-to-man coverage. Can set up and turn around cornerbacks. Shows good hands. Plucks high passes without slowing, adjusts to poor throws and makes tough catches. Has ability to be a return man.
Weaknesses: Didn't have great college stats. Doesn't break many tackles, and occasionally goes down immediately. Can be nonchalant, especially on low passes. Looks shorter and lighter than his measured size.
Bottom line: LSU's depth limited Davis' production, but he is capable of better. He will get separate from man-to-man coverage and shows the size, speed, explosiveness and hands make big plays downfield. Davis is a potential sleeper and will be drafted lower than he deserves, but he will be a productive NFL receiver and a consistent touchdown threat
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OVERVIEW
Davis is a well-built target who runs precise routes, and many experts consider him to have the best hands of any receiver in the Southeastern Conference. A tireless worker, he spent part of the 2006 summer running routes and catching passes from Peyton and Eli Manning at the annual Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La.
Davis was rated the state of Louisiana's best receiver at O. Perry Walker High School. He earned national blue chip honors and was a SuperPrep All-American pick as a senior. Rivals.com rated him the No. 12 receiver in the country.
Known for his versatility, Davis competed as a split end, quarterback, placekicker and punter during his final season. He caught 82 passes for 1,171 yards (14.3 avg) and 16 touchdowns that year, and helped lead the Chargers to the Class 4A state championship game. He also rushed for 93 yards and passed for 483 yards in 2002. As a junior, Davis caught 46 passes, including 15 for touchdowns, and served as the backup quarterback for the Class 4A runner-up squad.
Davis enrolled at Louisiana State in 2003. He appeared in nine games, including six on offense. He sat out several games with a broken bone in his right elbow. He finished his first season with seven catches for 63 yards (9.0 avg). He played in 12 games as a sophomore, starting eight times at the "X" receiver position. Davis caught at least one pass in every game, finishing with a team-high 43 receptions for 649 yards (15.3 avg) and a touchdown. He also made two tackles and gained 5 yards on a reverse.
Davis missed two games in 2005 due to a concussion and plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He started five of 11 games he appeared in, ranking second on the team with 35 catches for 559 yards (16.0 avg) and a pair of touchdowns. In 2006, he started the team's first eight games, and led the Tigers with 41 receptions for 595 yards (14.5 avg) and two scores. He also gained 108 yards with a touchdown on six punt returns (18.0 avg).
In 2006, Davis earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. He started 12 games at the "X" receiver position (he missed the Alabama game with a knee sprain). He ranked third on the team with 56 receptions for 836 yards (14.9 avg) and four touchdowns. He added 142 yards and a score on 11 punt returns (12.9 avg) and gained 15 yards on four reverses.
In 44 games at Louisiana State, Davis started 25 times. He became the seventh player in school history to gain more than 2,000 yards receiving in a career, catching 141 passes for 2,107 yards (14.9 avg) and seven touchdowns. Davis added 20 yards on five carries (4.0 avg) and returned 11 punts for 142 yards (12.9 avg) and a score. He also recorded two tackles.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Added needed upper-body muscle tone during the 2006 offseason … Is a very quick open-field runner who gets under the ball instantly, making good body adjustments to be in position to make the catch … Aggressive blocker who does a nice job of locating and stalking second-level defenders … Plays with good lower body strength and explosion to break tackles and separate … Uses his arms well to get a clean release off the line and has the lateral agility to slip past and avoid the jam … Uses an effective swim move in his release and a stutter step to shake off the cornerback … Explodes coming out of his breaks and knows how to use his burst to ride up on a defensive back in attempts to gobble up the cushion … Knows how to set the defender up with his head fakes and change-of-direction agility … Does a good job of making body adjustments when working in the red zone … Uses his size well to shield defenders from the ball … Very effective at getting low for the underneath throws and can pluck the ball away from his frame … Can easily separate from a lethargic cornerback when running into the deep secondary to get under the ball … His leg drives lets him consistently break tackles and he has the loose hips and juking moves to make the initial tackler miss … Once he finds the crease, he can gain valid yardage with the ball … Effective position blocker with the ability to sustain, rather than merely get in the way and pester … Does a very good job of adjusting to the ball in flight; he has the second gear needed to get to the pass in a hurry … Has the size to separate from single defenders working in the short area and the leg strength to drive through tackles … His vertical speed allows him to consistently stretch the field and he has the acceleration to gobble up the defender's cushion to get on top of his man.
Negatives: Still developing his frame and has a small bubble with adequate calf-muscle definition … Despite his frame and aggression as a blocker, he seems hesitant at times to work in a crowd and compete for jump balls … Needs to be more alert on the field; he does a poor job of coming back for the ball when the quarterback is pressured … Even with his above-average timed speed, he doesn't demonstrate a quick thrust coming off the line to challenge the defensive back … Tends to make soft-angle cuts and is slow to regain his acceleration when he has to stop, catch and then run with the ball … Has natural hands to catch the low and chest-high balls, but will struggle some with his timing and elevation going for the high throws … Gives a poor effort, keeping his arms short and lets the ball come into his body rather than extend for it when working through a crowd (has some upper-body stiffness that limits him in adjusting to the ball at its highest point) … Will throttle down and take plays off when he is not involved in the action.
Compares To: Robert Ferguson, Green Bay -- Like Ferguson, when Davis' head is in the game, big things can happen. He just needs to run consistent routes and needs to be more alert when his quarterback is flushed out of the pocket; it is rare to see him come back for the ball. He also must show better courage going for the ball in a crowd.
INJURY REPORT
2003: Did not play in the team's first two games vs. Louisiana-Monroe and Arizona after he broke a bone in his right elbow during a mid-August scrimmage.
2004: Missed most of the fourth quarter of the Capital One Bowl vs. Iowa (1/01/05) when he was flattened by defensive end Matt Roth trying to block on a running play.
2005: Suffered a concussion vs. Arizona State (9/10). He played the following week, but then sat out the Mississippi State game (10/01) due to lingering effects from the injury … Missed part of the Vanderbilt (10/08) game and the following week vs. Florida with left foot plantar fasciitis.
2006: Sat out the Alabama game after suffering a knee sprain when he was hit calling for a fair catch in the Tennessee game (11/04).
2007: Suffered a right groin strain participating in agility tests at the Combine.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.37 in the 40-yard dash (indoor turf) … 315-pound bench press … 405-pound squat … 275-pound power clean … 31¼-inch arm length … 9¼-inch hands … Right-handed … Wears contacts.
Combine: 4.49 in the 40-yard dash … 1.61 10-yard dash … 2.63 20-yard dash.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended O. Perry Walker (New Orleans, La.) High School, playing football for head coach Frank Wilson III … Rated the state of Louisiana's best receiver, he earned national blue chip honors and was a SuperPrep All-American pick as a senior … Rivals.com rated him the No. 12 receiver in the country and Davis added the Orlando Sentinel All-Southern Team, The Times-Picayune's Top 25 Blue-Chip and The Shreveport Times' Top 20 honors … Known for his versatility, Davis competed as a split end, quarterback, placekicker and punter during his final season … Caught 82 passes for 1,171 yards (14.3 avg) and 16 touchdowns that year, and helped lead the Chargers to the Class 4A state championship game … Also rushed for 93 yards and passed for 483 yards in 2002. As a junior, Davis caught 46 passes, 15 for touchdowns and served as the backup quarterback for the Class 4A runner-up squad.
PERSONAL
Communication Studies major … Son of Sanedra Berry and Craig Davis Sr. … Nickname is Buster … Born Craig Davis Jr., on 10/02/85 in New Orleans, La.
Davis is a well-built target who runs precise routes, and many experts consider him to have the best hands of any receiver in the Southeastern Conference. A tireless worker, he spent part of the 2006 summer running routes and catching passes from Peyton and Eli Manning at the annual Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La.
Davis was rated the state of Louisiana's best receiver at O. Perry Walker High School. He earned national blue chip honors and was a SuperPrep All-American pick as a senior. Rivals.com rated him the No. 12 receiver in the country.
Known for his versatility, Davis competed as a split end, quarterback, placekicker and punter during his final season. He caught 82 passes for 1,171 yards (14.3 avg) and 16 touchdowns that year, and helped lead the Chargers to the Class 4A state championship game. He also rushed for 93 yards and passed for 483 yards in 2002. As a junior, Davis caught 46 passes, including 15 for touchdowns, and served as the backup quarterback for the Class 4A runner-up squad.
Davis enrolled at Louisiana State in 2003. He appeared in nine games, including six on offense. He sat out several games with a broken bone in his right elbow. He finished his first season with seven catches for 63 yards (9.0 avg). He played in 12 games as a sophomore, starting eight times at the "X" receiver position. Davis caught at least one pass in every game, finishing with a team-high 43 receptions for 649 yards (15.3 avg) and a touchdown. He also made two tackles and gained 5 yards on a reverse.
Davis missed two games in 2005 due to a concussion and plantar fasciitis in his left foot. He started five of 11 games he appeared in, ranking second on the team with 35 catches for 559 yards (16.0 avg) and a pair of touchdowns. In 2006, he started the team's first eight games, and led the Tigers with 41 receptions for 595 yards (14.5 avg) and two scores. He also gained 108 yards with a touchdown on six punt returns (18.0 avg).
In 2006, Davis earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors. He started 12 games at the "X" receiver position (he missed the Alabama game with a knee sprain). He ranked third on the team with 56 receptions for 836 yards (14.9 avg) and four touchdowns. He added 142 yards and a score on 11 punt returns (12.9 avg) and gained 15 yards on four reverses.
In 44 games at Louisiana State, Davis started 25 times. He became the seventh player in school history to gain more than 2,000 yards receiving in a career, catching 141 passes for 2,107 yards (14.9 avg) and seven touchdowns. Davis added 20 yards on five carries (4.0 avg) and returned 11 punts for 142 yards (12.9 avg) and a score. He also recorded two tackles.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Added needed upper-body muscle tone during the 2006 offseason … Is a very quick open-field runner who gets under the ball instantly, making good body adjustments to be in position to make the catch … Aggressive blocker who does a nice job of locating and stalking second-level defenders … Plays with good lower body strength and explosion to break tackles and separate … Uses his arms well to get a clean release off the line and has the lateral agility to slip past and avoid the jam … Uses an effective swim move in his release and a stutter step to shake off the cornerback … Explodes coming out of his breaks and knows how to use his burst to ride up on a defensive back in attempts to gobble up the cushion … Knows how to set the defender up with his head fakes and change-of-direction agility … Does a good job of making body adjustments when working in the red zone … Uses his size well to shield defenders from the ball … Very effective at getting low for the underneath throws and can pluck the ball away from his frame … Can easily separate from a lethargic cornerback when running into the deep secondary to get under the ball … His leg drives lets him consistently break tackles and he has the loose hips and juking moves to make the initial tackler miss … Once he finds the crease, he can gain valid yardage with the ball … Effective position blocker with the ability to sustain, rather than merely get in the way and pester … Does a very good job of adjusting to the ball in flight; he has the second gear needed to get to the pass in a hurry … Has the size to separate from single defenders working in the short area and the leg strength to drive through tackles … His vertical speed allows him to consistently stretch the field and he has the acceleration to gobble up the defender's cushion to get on top of his man.
Negatives: Still developing his frame and has a small bubble with adequate calf-muscle definition … Despite his frame and aggression as a blocker, he seems hesitant at times to work in a crowd and compete for jump balls … Needs to be more alert on the field; he does a poor job of coming back for the ball when the quarterback is pressured … Even with his above-average timed speed, he doesn't demonstrate a quick thrust coming off the line to challenge the defensive back … Tends to make soft-angle cuts and is slow to regain his acceleration when he has to stop, catch and then run with the ball … Has natural hands to catch the low and chest-high balls, but will struggle some with his timing and elevation going for the high throws … Gives a poor effort, keeping his arms short and lets the ball come into his body rather than extend for it when working through a crowd (has some upper-body stiffness that limits him in adjusting to the ball at its highest point) … Will throttle down and take plays off when he is not involved in the action.
Compares To: Robert Ferguson, Green Bay -- Like Ferguson, when Davis' head is in the game, big things can happen. He just needs to run consistent routes and needs to be more alert when his quarterback is flushed out of the pocket; it is rare to see him come back for the ball. He also must show better courage going for the ball in a crowd.
INJURY REPORT
2003: Did not play in the team's first two games vs. Louisiana-Monroe and Arizona after he broke a bone in his right elbow during a mid-August scrimmage.
2004: Missed most of the fourth quarter of the Capital One Bowl vs. Iowa (1/01/05) when he was flattened by defensive end Matt Roth trying to block on a running play.
2005: Suffered a concussion vs. Arizona State (9/10). He played the following week, but then sat out the Mississippi State game (10/01) due to lingering effects from the injury … Missed part of the Vanderbilt (10/08) game and the following week vs. Florida with left foot plantar fasciitis.
2006: Sat out the Alabama game after suffering a knee sprain when he was hit calling for a fair catch in the Tennessee game (11/04).
2007: Suffered a right groin strain participating in agility tests at the Combine.
AGILITY TESTS
Campus: 4.37 in the 40-yard dash (indoor turf) … 315-pound bench press … 405-pound squat … 275-pound power clean … 31¼-inch arm length … 9¼-inch hands … Right-handed … Wears contacts.
Combine: 4.49 in the 40-yard dash … 1.61 10-yard dash … 2.63 20-yard dash.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended O. Perry Walker (New Orleans, La.) High School, playing football for head coach Frank Wilson III … Rated the state of Louisiana's best receiver, he earned national blue chip honors and was a SuperPrep All-American pick as a senior … Rivals.com rated him the No. 12 receiver in the country and Davis added the Orlando Sentinel All-Southern Team, The Times-Picayune's Top 25 Blue-Chip and The Shreveport Times' Top 20 honors … Known for his versatility, Davis competed as a split end, quarterback, placekicker and punter during his final season … Caught 82 passes for 1,171 yards (14.3 avg) and 16 touchdowns that year, and helped lead the Chargers to the Class 4A state championship game … Also rushed for 93 yards and passed for 483 yards in 2002. As a junior, Davis caught 46 passes, 15 for touchdowns and served as the backup quarterback for the Class 4A runner-up squad.
PERSONAL
Communication Studies major … Son of Sanedra Berry and Craig Davis Sr. … Nickname is Buster … Born Craig Davis Jr., on 10/02/85 in New Orleans, La.
AJ must have been out of the draft room trying to salvage that Turner deal.
what a reach
GARY HORTON: This is a vintage A.J. Smith pick. For a guy that is a diamond in the rough with huge upside. It makes a lot of sense. A.J. is not afraid to take guys who are not finished products and this guy has size and speed and the potential to be really special. He is not a great route runner right now but he has all the physical tools to blossom into an elite guy. You can bet they did a ton of research on him and are willing to gamble on the upside.
This is where we all bow to the almighty AJ for reaching a full round early.
Craig Davis
WR | (6'1", 207, 4.44) | LSU
Scouts Grade: 82
Strengths: Possesses intriguing physical tools, including above average size and very good speed. Can stretch the field vertically and shows the acceleration to consistently get over the top of defensive backs in man-to-man coverage. He reaches top speed quickly and shows the ability to separate right away. His hands are much improved. Shows the ability to pluck on the run and can make the tough catch in traffic. He gives a good effort as a downfield blocker in the running game. He continues to improve with more experience and could be a "diamond in the rough" from the 2007 class.
Weaknesses: Still has room to improve as a route runner. Needs to get in and out of breaks quicker. Also needs to show more savvy setting up defenders and finding soft spots in zone. Not the toughest receiver. Can be a bit hesitant when working over the middle. Fast on a straight-line but not overly elusive. Durability was a problem early in his career. Missed time in 2003 with a broken right elbow and in 2005 with a concussion.
Overall: Davis was limited early during his true freshman season of 2003 by a broken right elbow and finished the year with seven catches for 63 yards after seeing action in nine games. In 2004, he appeared in all 12 contests making eight starts, and led the Tigers with 43 receptions for 659 yards (15.3 average) and scored one touchdown. Davis played in 11 of 13 games during the 2005 season with five starts after missing some time due to a concussion. He finished the year with 35 receptions for 559 yards (16 average) and two touchdowns despite being sidelined for the Mississippi State and Florida games. In 2006 Davis started 12 of 13 games while catching 56 passes for 836 yards (14.9 average) and four touchdowns. He also added 142 yards and a touchdown on 11 punt returns during the year.
Davis has been underrated throughout most of his career and he had his best season as a senior in 2006. He has lots to offer as an NFL prospect, including great straight-line speed to go along with his adequate-to-good size and hands. Minor injuries and inconsistent route running are still concerns. He also lacks ideal toughness and elusiveness. When it's all said and done; Davis grades out as a second-tier wide receiver in the 2007 class with enough speed to warrant consideration in Round 2.
WR | (6'1", 207, 4.44) | LSU
Scouts Grade: 82
Strengths: Possesses intriguing physical tools, including above average size and very good speed. Can stretch the field vertically and shows the acceleration to consistently get over the top of defensive backs in man-to-man coverage. He reaches top speed quickly and shows the ability to separate right away. His hands are much improved. Shows the ability to pluck on the run and can make the tough catch in traffic. He gives a good effort as a downfield blocker in the running game. He continues to improve with more experience and could be a "diamond in the rough" from the 2007 class.
Weaknesses: Still has room to improve as a route runner. Needs to get in and out of breaks quicker. Also needs to show more savvy setting up defenders and finding soft spots in zone. Not the toughest receiver. Can be a bit hesitant when working over the middle. Fast on a straight-line but not overly elusive. Durability was a problem early in his career. Missed time in 2003 with a broken right elbow and in 2005 with a concussion.
Overall: Davis was limited early during his true freshman season of 2003 by a broken right elbow and finished the year with seven catches for 63 yards after seeing action in nine games. In 2004, he appeared in all 12 contests making eight starts, and led the Tigers with 43 receptions for 659 yards (15.3 average) and scored one touchdown. Davis played in 11 of 13 games during the 2005 season with five starts after missing some time due to a concussion. He finished the year with 35 receptions for 559 yards (16 average) and two touchdowns despite being sidelined for the Mississippi State and Florida games. In 2006 Davis started 12 of 13 games while catching 56 passes for 836 yards (14.9 average) and four touchdowns. He also added 142 yards and a touchdown on 11 punt returns during the year.
Davis has been underrated throughout most of his career and he had his best season as a senior in 2006. He has lots to offer as an NFL prospect, including great straight-line speed to go along with his adequate-to-good size and hands. Minor injuries and inconsistent route running are still concerns. He also lacks ideal toughness and elusiveness. When it's all said and done; Davis grades out as a second-tier wide receiver in the 2007 class with enough speed to warrant consideration in Round 2.
Gr00vus
Footballguy
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Some notes from Buddy Nix and Norv Turner, addressing the press.
Nix said that Davis ran a 4.37 at 207 pounds, and the Chargers were surprised he was still there at #30.
Norv said that the Chargers worked Davis out in San Diego and James Lofton really loved what he saw.
Nix said that Davis ran a 4.37 at 207 pounds, and the Chargers were surprised he was still there at #30.
Norv said that the Chargers worked Davis out in San Diego and James Lofton really loved what he saw.
Eric Weddle. Sweet.
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Mock Draft by Brett Berliner -- SD takes Craig Davis at #30. Good call.
jonessed
Footballguy
Maybe not. Sounds like they got fleeced on the move up.
AJ Smith just traded 4 draft picks for a 2nd round safety?
PadresLakers
Footballguy
Yep a late 2nd, 3rd and 5th round pick for an early 2nd rounder. Plus a probable late third rounder next year.Chargers had two needs WR and Safety and filled them nicely IMO
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Mr. Sparkle
Footballguy
horrible trade for SD.
seems like he got fleeced a bit here.wonder what the pick value chart says about the value of the picks he gave up.
To swap seconds, they gave up a third and fifth this year, and third next year, but they had an extra pick in each of those rounds.It was expensive. No question.
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Gr00vus
Footballguy
Capella
Footballguy
BoltzNBrew
Footballguy
They should have taken Weddle @ 30 then trade up a little to get Davis. I don't think it would have cost that much.
PadresLakers
Footballguy
530 vs (284+ 124+ 28.2 + 3rd rounder next year)Its not equal but its hardly fleecing and makes complete sense for the Chargers
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why not do what the Patriots did then and add future picks?
Gr00vus
Footballguy
I know it's unlikely they end up being as productive as the Dallas guys were in their heyday, but you'd think at least that's what their roles are going to be. In three years or so there will be a transition from this being LaDainian's offense to this being Rivers's offense (unless LaDainian has superhuman longevity) and if these guys work out they could really benefit.
