Chargers Draft Trends : Recent playmakers haven’t panned out

As I was evaluating at the Chargers roster today, a revelation dawned on me. I looked at the skill positions and thought about the last time the team drafted an elite play-maker. Keenan Allen is far and out the most productive offensive weapon selection in the last 9 drafts. A first round talent, Allen fell across draft boards due to injury concern. The Bolts took a chance and it paid off big time. However, as a whole the Chargers haven’t quite struck gold in terms of play-makers via the draft. In fact, both 6th and 7th round investments from last year were cut prior to the season opening. The biggest play-makers in the team’s recent history have either been undrafted(Gates, Oliver & Floyd) or picked up via veteran free agency(Woodhead & Royal). The Chargers have a glaring need for a feature workhorse running back this year which will likely be filled through the draft. They also could use another receiver to compete for reps and develop into a future starter. The receiving group got a boost with the recent addition of Stevie Johnson, but Malcom Floyd isn’t getting any younger.

Here is a breakdown of the drafted RB’s, TE’s, and WR’s drafted since 2006

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2014:

• 6th round- Marion Grice : RB Arizona State
• 7th round- Tevin Reese : WR Baylor

2013:

• 3rd round- Keenan Allen : WR California

2012:

• 4th round- Ladarius Green : TE Louisiana-Lafayette
• 7th round- Edwin Baker : RB Michigan State

2011:

• 3rd round- Vincent Brown : WR San Diego State
• 6th round- Jordan Todman : RB Connecticut

2010:

• 1st round- Ryan Mathews : RB Fresno State
• 7th round- Dedrick Epps: TE Miami

2009:

• 4th round- Gartrell Johnson : RB Colorado State
• 7th round- Demetrius Byrd : WR Louisiana State

2008:

• 5th round- Marcus Thomas : RB Texas El-Paso

2007:

• 1st round- Craig Davis : WR Louisiana State
• 4th round- Scott Chandler : TE Iowa
• 5th round- Legedu Naanee : WR Boise State

2006:

• No offensive skill positions drafted

Here is a list of Chargers weapons who will be free agents following the 2015 season:

• Malcom Floyd
• Antonio Gates
• Dontrelle Inman
• Austin Pettis
• Ladarius Green

With that said, the importance of this draft for all positions cannot be overstated. In particular, the skill position players need to pan out. While an early round bust could set the Bolts back in a major way, a gem could propel their offense to a whole new level. If the team truly wants to keep Rivers around beyond his contract expiration in 2016, they will invest in weapons to help create balance and exclusiveness on offense.

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