Chargers Wrap Up Draft By Selecting A Pair of Offensive Players

September 17, 2011; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) and offensive linesman David Molk (50) during the game against Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Chargers concluded the draft by selecting a couple of players that could end up making the roster. In their first pick in the seventh round, they selected C David Molk out of Michigan. Here is his Pro Football Weekly scouting report:

Positives:

Scrappy competitor who plays with urgency and is aggressive coming off the ball. Good foot energy and on-field playing temperament. Solid base, balance and body control — is seldom on the ground. Exceptional weight-room strength — bench-pressed 225 pounds 41 times at the Combine, second-best among all attendees. Solid team player. Vocal leader. Makes all the line calls. Football-smart and savvy. Quick learner. Good with ethic.

Negatives:

Is short, lacks ideal girth and does not have a frame to support much additional growth. Not well-suited to match up vs. massive two-gappers. Not an explosive drive blocker who generates movement with his lower body. Struggles to handle and adjust to speed on the second level. Average hand strength. Durability has been an issue.

Summary:

Feisty, undersized, highly competitive, smart pivot ideally suited for a zone-blocking scheme. Lack of size girth always could present some trouble against size, but can win with quickness, angles and intelligence and has starter potential.

He was rated as high as a second round draft pick by some people and he slipped down the board because of size and because of some injury history. If he is able to stay healthy, this will be a strong addition to the front line and could be a future starter for when Nick Hardwick decides to hang the cleats up.

With the Chargers last pick in the draft, they stayed in the state of Michigan and took Michigan State RB Edwin Baker. Here is his scouting report from Pro Football Weekly:

Positives:

Works hard in the weight room and it shows — has a chiseled physique. Has a 600-pound squat and can bench-press nearly twice his weight. Runs behind his pads with a low center of gravity. Good balance and vision (reads blocks). Churns his legs, barrels through contact and steps out of ankle tackles. Has quick feet and shows one-cut ability to stick his foot in the dirt and accelerate upfield. Willingly faces up in pass protection. Tough and durable. Confident, mature and intense. Has considerable tread remaining on the tires.

Negatives:

Lacks ideal height. Shows some tightness in his hips and produced marginal shuttle times at the Combine. Average elusiveness and leg extension (lacks extra gear to pull away from the pack). Takes time to get rolling (confirmed by paltry 1.64-second 10-yard time at the Combine). Minimal receiving production (was barely used in this area). Carries the ball loosely and ball security has been an issue. Slid to No. 2 on the depth chart as a junior.

Summary:

Compactly built with an NFL body, Baker is a strong, competitive, tough back with broad appeal given his scheme versatility and pro makeup. Took a back seat to Le’Veon Bell as a junior, but his running skills play well in man- or zone-blocking schemes and he is capable of sharing the load in tandem or shouldering 20-plus carries if need be. Has been described as a poor man’s Ray Rice by NFL evaluators.

The kid will get a chance to earn a job in the backfield that still is looking for a backup to Ryan Mathews. We will be looking to add a veteran into the mix, but he will get his chance during training camp to make the roster.

We are able to sign undrafted free agents immediately and the Bolts are probably working the phones right now with some players.