As I say every year, the draft is about adding talent, but winning is about talent development. I know I can't grade a draft class on performance for at least a few years, which is a reason I audit old drafts. What I do here is assess three main things:
• How much overall talent did a team add, based on board position?
• How effectively did they address key personnel voids?
• How efficient were they in maneuvering on the draft board?
Remember: I have to use my player grades as the prism. I'm well aware all NFL teams see players differently -- I debate with those evaluators all year. Disagreements are just the reality of this process, and I'm sure they have some grades on me.
Grading scale: In my mind an A means it's exceptional; a B is pretty good; a C is average, with hits and questions marks; a D means below average with some big questions. An F ... well, keep reading.
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAC | KC | LAC | LAR MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | OAK | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS
Los Angeles Chargers: A
Top needs: Wide receiver, outside linebacker, defensive back
The newest team to move to Los Angeles needed a fresh start, and this class will help. We speculated before the draft whether the Chargers would draft a future replacement for Philip Rivers, instead they seem intent to make him better than ever. Keenan Allen has played only nine games over the past two seasons, which is why I pegged receiver as the Chargers' top need. Los Angeles got my top-ranked receiver at No. 7 in Mike Williams, a potential perennial Pro Bowler who can be thrown to even when covered. He made Deshaun Watson better last season, snagging errant throws and taking them to the house. The Chargers just need to get Allen and Williams on the field at the same time. That's a strong, young core, along with former undrafted free agent Tyrell Williams and tight end Hunter Henry. Philip Rivers has to be thrilled, and fantasy experts agree.
After cutting D.J. Fluker, guard moved up to a need, and Los Angeles went with two interior linemen on Day 2. It got my Nos. 1- and 3-ranked guards in Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney. Lamp, a four-year starter at left tackle for Western Kentucky, could end up as the Chargers' starting center when the 2017 season begins. Former Jim Thorpe Award winner Desmond King could end up at safety or slot corner -- he had 14 career interceptions. That was good value in the fifth. Isaac Rochell isn't much of a pass-rusher, but he can help in the running game.