Chargers Draft is Head of the Class

By Ernie Padaon
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Oct 14, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs after a reception during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

NFL.com has been releasing their mid-season awards and the San Diego Chargers were on top of the list for their 2013 draft class. The trio of D.J. Fluker, Manti Te’o and Keenan Allen have been huge for this year’s team. A lot of props have to go out to Tom Telesco and his team of scouts. Telesco made sure to bring in top tier talent in this draft and his selections look like a success so far.

Here is the note from NFL.com:

The Chargers drafted three players who have made serious contributions as rookies, beginning with offensive tackleD.J. Fluker (drafted in the first round, 11th overall). From Day 1, Fluker has started for an offensive line that has been much better than it was prior to his arrival, leading to a stronger ground game and increased protection for Philip Rivers. In a resurgent season, San Diego’s quarterback has been sacked just 11 times through seven games; that projects to 25 sacks on the season, which would be about half as many as Rivers endured in 2012 (49).

Thanks to a foot injury, Manti Te’o (second round, 38th overall) got off to somewhat of a slow start. However, since making his first appearance in Week 4, the linebacker has added something to San Diego’s run defense, showing he can play in space. And as for first-year pros helping Rivers, Fluker isn’t the only one: Keenan Allen (third round, 76th overall) has 399 receiving yards, third-most among rookies. Allen has come on especially strong lately, leading all receivers with 107 yards in the Bolts’ big Week 7 win over Indianapolis.

Can we look forward to these type of draft classes in the future? If Tom Telesco is able to bring this tupe of talent in his drafts, then we will have a very talented tem for years to come. Allen, Fluker and Te’o all will be starters at their positions for the next few years. Other players in the draft should be able to contribute on the depth chart soon. Steve Williams is out for this season, but he should be a nice part of the secondary next season. Tourek Williams will get more experience and should be able to provide some situational pass rush in the future and Brad Sorensen will likely be the number 2 guy on the roster soon.

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