Expectations For Chargers Rookies
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted seven players who expect to play sometime in the near future. Each has different expectations for how his rookie season will turn out. However, expectation rarely reflects reality. What can we expect from the Chargers rookies in their debut season?
Round 1, 28th overall – Jerry Tillery
The Chargers have steadily built a strong defensive line and currently boast one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. However, their interior defensive line is not as solid and Tillery would be expected to start right away.
High Expectation
Round 2, 60th overall – Nasir Adderly
The grand-nephew of Hall of Famer Herb Adderly was drafted to solidify a growing safety group. He joins a talented group of safeties which is lead by Derwin James who was invited to the Pro Bowl after his rookie season last year. Adderly will most likely contribute at nickelback and backup safety in his rookie season.
High Expectation
Round 3, 91st overall – Trey Pipkins
The Chargers are trying to build a championship caliber offensive line for their balanced offensive attack. Pipkins was drafted to compete for the starting guard position. Considering he played at a smaller school (Sioux Falls) with weaker competition in Division II he may have a difficult time adjusting to the pace of the NFL as a rookie.
Medium Expectation
Round 4, 130th overall – Drue Tranquill
The Chargers are relatively weak at linebacker and drafted Tranquill to beef up that position group. He was an Academic All-American at Notre Dame and will hopefully bring that intelligence to the field.
Medium Expectation
Round 5, 166th overall – Easton Stick
The Chargers still have franchise quarterback Philip Rivers who played at a high level a season ago. Stick is expected to sit on the bench and learn from the man whom he is expected to one day replace. He will most likely see spot action in mop-up duty in blowouts.
Low Expectation
Round 6, 200th overall – Emeke Egbule
Being selected in the sixth round is not exactly an uplifting moment for a player. It usually means that the player is expendable. However, Egbule recorded 129 tackles and four sacks in his final two seasons at the University of Houston. In all likely-hood, he will see the field on special teams as a rookie.
Low Expectation
Round 7, 242nd overall – Cortez Broughton
The Chargers decided to focus on the middle of the defensive line by drafting Jerry Tillery in the first round. They drafted Cortez Broughton as a project. However, Broughton brings muscle to the table and can be a force against the run. If he survives the final cuts in training camp he should see some action later in the season in goal-line situations.
Low Expectation