The Chargers had a plan going into the draft after not doing much in free agency, and it was to get faster, athletic and more physical. Los Angeles stacked deck primarily on the defensive side of the ball to find a pair of instant starters and a few valuable depth pieces.
Here’s our full breakdown of every pick from the Bolts’ 2019 draft class:
Jerry Tillery | DT | Notre Dame
The Chargers went into the draft needing to add play makers on the interior part of the defensive line given their lack of depth. They wasted no time with the selection of Tillery.
Tillery had been connected to Los Angeles throughout the pre-draft process, as many felt like he was the ideal fit for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense.
Tillery offers great talent and he should have no problem right off the bat as the starting three-technique. He is strong, lengthy, and flashes great movement skills. He will have to work on some things, but his ability to push the pocket and create disruption should be an excellent boost up front.
Nasir Adderley | FS | Delaware
The need for a free safety was evident after the team decided to release Jahleel Addae earlier this offseason. It was unlikely that they went into the 2019 season with only Jaylen Watkins and Rayshawn Jenkins slotted on the depth chart.
Los Angeles was able to see Adderley fall to them to the end of the second round, which was later than what most pundits had projected.
Adderley possesses the ball skills, range and play speed to be the team’s starting free safety for years to come. With Derwin James at strong safety and Adderley manning the single-high role, the Chargers could have one of the NFL’s best young duos in the secondary.
Trey Pipkins | OT | Sioux Falls
Even though the pick was an unknown for most, the Chargers came out of the third round addressing the offensive tackle position. Pipkins, a Division 2 standout, was a player that the team liked quite a bit after his great showing at the East-West Shrine Game.
It’s unlikely that Pipkins will be the Day 1 starter over right tackle Sam Tevi going into 2019. Instead, Los Angeles views him as left tackle Russell Okung’s eventual replacement when he decides to call it quits. Pipkins possesses the athletic ability for the position, but he will need to get stronger and get caught up to the speed of the NFL before he gets out there.
Drue Tranquill | LB | Notre Dame
General manager Tom Telesco made it clear that the linebacker room was going to get a boost after the position was hit with three season-ending injuries to their starters in 2018. Telesco stuck with his word by selecting Tranquill to kick off Day 3 of the draft.
Tranquill might not be a three-down player in his first season as a pro, but he has the toughness, athleticism, versatility and high football IQ to be an ideal sub-package linebacker and special-teams aces right off the bat for Los Angeles.
Tranquill, who suffered two knee injuries in college, will need to continue to stay healthy. If so, he could potentially be a starter within the next few years and take over the middle linebacker responsibilities for Denzel Perryman.
Easton Stick | QB | North Dakota State
The Chargers ended the six-year drought without selecting a quarterback by grabbing Stick with their fifth round selection.
With Stick’s arrival, it likely means that he will push Cardale Jones’ out of a job with Los Angeles. The chances are slim that he’s going to replace Rivers when he decides to retire. But he could ultimately become a true No. 2 after Tyrod Taylor leaves.
To start his career, he’s nothing more than a No. 3 quarterback who could be used as a gadget player because of his athleticism, similar to Saints’ Taysom Hill.
Emeke Egbule | LB | Houston
After Kyle Emanuel’s departure, the Chargers had to find a backup to Uchenna Nwosu at the SAM role. Egbule was the ideal player to bring in to fill that need.
Egbule possesses a versatile skill set. He has a great blend of size, length and athleticism. He lined up off the ball, showcasing fluidity in coverage and he played on the line of scrimmage as a pass rusher, displaying a quick first step to get to the quarterback.
He may receive some snaps at linebacker in his first season, but he will make the majority of his money as a key special teamer early on.
Cortez Broughton | DT | Cincinnati
The Chargers were still in need of adding more depth to the defensive tackle after the selection of Tillery earlier on, so Broughton was a great pick, and one that could end up being a steal for them.
Broughton has a solid all-around skill-set that includes an excellent first step, heavy hands and a high motor to work his way into the backfield. His age (24), experience and style of play will allow him to contribute immediately for Los Angeles as a rotational pass rusher.
