The Chargers came away with an impressive haul of draft picks this past weekend, making all seven selections and getting faster and more physical.
We’ve picked out one stat to know about each of the Bolts’ draft picks, whether it’s from their collegiate career or combine. These numbers should make supporters of the feel even more intrigued about the incoming rookie class.
DT Jerry Tillery
Tied for highest pass-rushing grade
There’s no denying that Tillery was one of the best defensive tackles at applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks, as he amassed eight sacks in his final season. Pro Football Focus thought very highly of the former Notre Dame product and for his efforts, he was tied with Jets’ Quinnen Williams for the highest pass-rushing grade with a 92.5 overall.
He is strong, lengthy, and flashes great movement skills for a player of his size. His ability to push the pocket and create disruption should be an excellent boost for a team that already has no problem getting after the quarterback led by defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
FS Nasir Adderley
Lowest completion rate in coverage
Adderley was a magnet to the football throughout his four-year stint at Delaware, picking opposing quarterbacks off nine times within the last two seasons of his collegiate career. He also owned the lowest completion rate with a 30.43% in 2018, only allowing seven receptions on 23 targets.
With Derwin James at strong safety and Adderley manning the single-high, Los Angeles might have one of the NFL’s best young tandems in the secondary.
OT Trey Pipkins
Allowed only two sacks over his collegiate career
Pipkins didn’t face top competition in college compared to the other offensive tackles in this year’s class, but it’s easy to see one of the reasons why the Chargers were sold on him. He allowed only two sacks in his four-year career at Sioux Falls.
It’s unlikely that he is starting right off the bat, but Los Angeles views him as Russell Okung’s eventual replacement. Pipkins possesses the athletic ability and skillset to translate to the next level, but he will need to get stronger and get caught up to NFL speed before being thrown in the fire.
LB Drue Tranquill
Tested as one of the most athletic linebackers
Tranquill rated as the highest member among the rest of the draft class with a 9.87 rating. At the combine, Tranquill tested as a 80 percentile or better in the 40 (4.57), vertical (37.5-inch), broad (10-foot-2), short shuttle (4.14) and bench (31 reps).
He might not be a three-down starter in his first couple seasons as a professional, but he has the toughness, versatility, character and high football IQ to be an ideal sub-package linebacker and special-teams contributor for the Chargers.
QB Easton Stick
School’s career record holder in passing yards, total offense and total touchdowns
Stick was lights out against the FCS competition that he faced at North Dakota State. He went to the same school as Eagles’ Carson Wentz, but statistically was the more superior one, finishing as the Bison’s career record holder in passing yards (8,693), total offense (11,216) and total touchdowns (129)
It’s unlikely that Stick takes on a starting role within the first few years, or at all. But it’s expected that the Chargers will be taking advantage of his athletic abilities, and he could be used in the same role as Saints’ Taysom Hill.
LB Emeke Egbule
5th fastest recorded 10-yard split since 2010 among off-ball linebackers of 240+
Egbule possesses great size, but he moves a lot faster than your typical 245 pounder. On film, he shows plus pursuit speed to chase running backs down and a quick first step as a pass rusher.
The numbers resemble what he showcased on the field. Egbule has the fifth-fastest recorded 10-yard split since 2010 among off-ball linebackers, trailing Leighton Vander Esch (1.52s) Tremaine Edmunds (1.53s) Ryan Connelly (1.54s) Raekwon McMillan (1.55s).
DT Cortez Broughton
Tied for the most defensive stops in the Group of Five
Broughton had his best season in his final year, posting 17.5 tackles for loss and 37 defensive stops, which was tied for the most in the Group of Five.
Broughton flashes excellent initial quickness to give offensive linemen problems, using his active hands and feet to cause disruption in the backfield. He does need to polish his technique and work on bettering his leverage, but he could be a huge contributor against the pass and run in his first season, if he cleans these things up.
