Breaking down the Los Angeles Chargers' 2018 draft class.
Round 1, No. 17 overall: Derwin James, S, Florida State
My take: The Chargers needed a more physical presence to help improve a run defense that allowed a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry. They appear to have done that, getting a steal in James at No. 17. The former FSU safety replaces Tre Boston, who did not return to the Chargers in free agency.
"I'm ready to come and contribute right away," said James, projected by many draft analysts as a top-10 pick. "I've got something to prove, because 16 teams passed me."
Kam Chancellor clone: At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, James has been compared to the Seattle Seahawks' thumper because of his physicality and speed. James also offers versatility, with an ability to play both safety positions, nickel cornerback and outside linebacker. James recorded 84 combined tackles -- including 5.5 for loss -- a sack, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions in his final season at Florida State, earning second-team All-America honors. James said he's fully healed from a meniscus tear he suffered in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2016 season that cut short his sophomore year.
Athleticism a strong suit: James is a rangy athlete who put on a show at the combine. James proved an easy mover during the on-field drills, and his results from the physical testing were even more impressive. James pushed 21 bench-press reps at 225 pounds, posted a 40-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump. He also ran a quick, 4.48-second 40-yard time.
Round 2, No. 48 overall: Uchenna Nwosu, LB, USC
My take: The Chargers addressed the team's most obvious need by selecting Nwosu. Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and linebackers coach Richard Smith attended Nwosu's pro day, and Smith met with Nwosu at the Chargers' local pro day. Nwosu totaled 75 tackles -- including 11.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 13 pass knockdowns -- as one of the defensive captains at USC last season.
Nwosu on playing in his hometown of Los Angeles: "It means a lot to be around the people who supported me my whole life, to be able to play right down the street from my parents' house, where we grew up walking and watching tennis matches and soccer matches my whole life. Playing there, to be home, it just means a lot to me. I’m very grateful for it."
How he fits: At 6-foot-2 and 251 pounds, Nwosu has the versatility to create pressure off the edge, hold up as an edge defender in the running game or drop into coverage. The Chargers allowed a league-worst 4.9 yards per carry last season. Athletic and physical, Nwosu should help improve that statistic.
Round 3, No. 84 overall: Justin Jones, DT, NC State
My take: With defensive tackle Brandon Mebane turning 33 years old earlier this year, the Chargers took a big-body defensive lineman in Jones. At 6-foot-3 and 309 pounds, Jones said he played 3-tech at NC State, recording 35 stops, including 8.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 13 starts. Jones on his biggest strengths: "I think I'm pretty explosive to the ball, pretty strong, and definitely just a team player for the most part, just encouraging players and trying to be a team leader and everything, just put forth our best efforts and get the win."
How he fits: With defensive tackle Corey Liuget out the first four games of the season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy, Jones has a chance to earn a job as a rotational player along the Chargers’ defensive line. The Bolts are looking for more players to provide interior pass rush to help edge rusher Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram get home.
Round 4, No. 119 overall: Kyzir White, LB, West Virginia
My take: The Chargers continue to draft defensive players. The younger brother of Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White, Kyzir was a second-team All-Big 12 selection for the Mountaineers last season, finishing with 94 tackles -- including 7.5 for loss -- three interceptions, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
How he fits: At 6-2 and 218 pounds, White projects as a weakside outside linebacker for the Chargers and should help them as a second-level player in passing situations. White also has the ability to rush the passer, with four career sacks at West Virginia.
White on moving from safety to linebacker: "I’ve never played it before, but I can adjust to anything. I think it would be a good situation."
Round 5, No. 155 overall: Scott Quessenberry, C, UCLA
My take: Interesting selection because the Chargers seem to have decent depth at the interior offensive line in starter Mike Pouncey, guards Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney, along with backup center Spencer Pulley. Quessenberry attended the Chargers’ local pro day, grew up in the San Diego area and is a lifelong Chargers fan. Scott’s older brother, David, is an offensive lineman for the Houston Texans and recently beat cancer to return to the field.
How he fits: At 6-4 and 310 pounds, Quessenberry does offer versatility, with the ability to play guard and center. Quessenberry started all 13 games his final season at UCLA and was an honorable mention Pac-12 selection last season.
Round 6, No. 191 overall: Dylan Cantrell, WR, Texas Tech
My take: The Chargers could use another big target for Philip Rivers, and Cantrell fits that profile. He started in all 13 games in 2017 for Texas Tech, finishing with 71 catches for 816 yards and seven touchdowns.
How he fits: At 6-3 and 226 pounds, Cantrell can play all three receiver spots on the field. The Chargers finished No. 28 in red-zone efficiency last season, so having another big target inside the 20-yard line should improve the team’s production.
Round 7, No. 251 overall: Justin Jackson, RB, Northwestern
My take: With the Chargers’ last pick in this year’s draft, they selected one of the most productive runners from this year’s class in Jackson -- one of nine players in NCAA history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in four straight seasons.
How he fits: The Chargers could use a back on early downs to spell workhorse running back Melvin Gordon. Jackson should combine with Austin Ekeler to give the Chargers more depth in the running back room.