2018 NFL Draft Grades: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers were a huge surprise in 2017, as they finished 9-7 in a market that nobody wanted them in, in a stadium that barely held 20,000 fans per week. The Chargers were a weekly road team, even at home, and still managed to go far beyond expectations. They could very well be a dark horse candidate to win the AFC West in 2018, and we take a look at what they did to bolster themselves in the draft, as they had priority needs at QB, OL, DL, LB, and S.

S Derwin James, Florida State
The Chargers needed a Safety, and how James, a top ten talent fell to them at pick 17 in the 1st round is a mystery to many. This was a gift from the Gods.
Grade: A

EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, USC
The Chargers took a major reach in the 2nd round on Nwosu, who garnered late 3rd to early 4th round grads from most services. He is an active edge rusher, but needs to be used correctly, because he will not stand up at DE, as he is severely undersized there.
Grade: C

NT Justin Jones, NC State
Again, the Chargers reached a full round to round and a half on Jones, who projects as an NFL backup. Again, another reach for a guy when better options were on the table.
Grade: D

S Kyzir White, West Virginia
Finally, the Chargers get back on the value train, but did they really need to double tap at the Safety position? That remains to be seen. Good value, but I question the pick here.
Grade: B

C Scott Quessenberry, UCLA
Quessenberry provides relief for a need position, and some feel that with the right coaching, he could fill in as a starter, eventually. Personally, I don't love the player, but I understand the value and the pick.
Grade: B

WR Dylan Cantrell, Texas Tech
Will have to make a mark on special teams to keep a roster spot in camp, but has a fighting chance. Drafted him with solid value in the 6th as well.
Grade: B

RB Justin Jackson, Northwestern
Like Cantrell, he does not fill a need, but was drafted with decent value at the end of the draft. He is an underrated prospect because of his frame, not his productivity. He is a dark horse for me to make the roster and provide solid punch as a reserve.
Grade: B

Priority needs filled in first two days: 1
Total Points: 19
Average points per pick: 2.71
Grade: C