Scouting For The Chargers Draft: Georgia TE Orson Charles

Offensive linemen and tight ends weighed in yesterday at the combine and one of the tight ends that seems to be getting some buzz is Georgia TE Orson Charles:

Engaging, humble, intelligent, talented! 45 catches/574 yds in 2011 RT @epadaon: @sharonheilbrunn what makes @IamOC7 ur fave? #Chargers

— Sharon Annie H. (@sharonheilbrunn) February 24, 2012

We will definitely be looking to add a pass catching tight end in the draft. We need to add insurance for Antonio Gates and the tight end could be another weapon for Philip Rivers to use in the red zone.

Here is the scouting report out from Pro Football Weekly:

Upside:• Rocked up with shredded muscle• Aggressive, sticky blocker — competes and seeks to finish• Quick upfield after the catch• Versatile — can line up anywhere

Downside:• Lacks ideal size• Inconsistent sustaining on the move• Raw hand placement to control, steer• Not creative after the catch — tight weaver• Unrefined route runner

The Way We See It:A hardworking team captain with the focus and football character to continue developing. Plays bigger than his size and can instantly factor in all phases. Is freakishly gifted with a high ceiling to blossom.

And here is more information from our friends out at NFL Mocks:

Pros

Athletic ability, red zone capabilities, pass catching option, massive upside, mismatch with linebackers, speed, soft hands…hasn’t missed starts because of injuries…willing blocker…can create yards after the catch with his speed…

Cons

Doesn’t  have great size…needs to continue (better than 2010) improve his blocking…a bit of the dropsies, despite his ability to usually catch the ball cleanly…Really it’s the size that’s his biggest problem

Charles is expected to be drafted somewhere in the 2nd round. With Charles and Gates on the field at the same time, we would be able to create a lot of match-up problems. We could steal some plays from the New England Patriots and attack teams with a 2 tight end set.

Should we draft a tight end in the second round though? We have a lot of other holes to fill that seem to be a higher priority. We will have to see what we get done in free agency, but I do like the idea of adding an athletic tight end on offense, just don’t know if I want to go that high to select one.