Tom Telesco’s draft patterns over six years with the Chargers
By Tyler Schoon
Tom Telesco draft pattern: Switching between offense and defense in the first round
Theory it supports: Chargers could take an offensive player at No. 28
Theory it works against: Chargers could take a defensive player at No. 28
Having gone offense-defense-offense-defense-offense-defense in the first round of his first six drafts, the betting gamble would be on Telesco to take an offensive player in the first round of this draft. This would rule out linebacker, defensive line, corner, and free safety. It has truly been a 50/50 flip-of-the-coin for Telesco.
If one takes the first pattern and adds it to this one, the combined theory would support that the only remaining option for an offensive player at a position of need that has not been addressed in the first round before will be offensive guard. Chris Lindstrom, anyone?
Tom Telesco draft pattern: Doubling down on similar positions in half his drafts
Theory it supports: The Chargers could double down on trench selections
Theory it works against: The Chargers could double down on trench selections
Telesco has drafted players at similar positions in the same draft three out of six possible times:
- 2015: Denzel Perryman and Kyle Emanuel (LB)
- 2016: Joshua Perry and Jatavis Brown (LB), Donavon Clark and Max Tuerk (IOL)
- 2017: Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney (IOL)
They’re not technically the same positions, but they are roughly the same part of the offense or defense. Perryman and Emanuel are linebackers, Clark and Tuerk from the offensive line, Perry and Brown also linebackers, and Lamp and Feeney also offensive linemen. This does not include the Rayshawn Jenkins and Desmond King picks in 2017, both defensive backs but at distinct positions.
On one hand, it sets a precedent that Telesco has used multiple picks to address deficiencies before. On the other hand, it’s only been in three of his six drafts, again a 50/50 split for Telesco. The pattern neither denies nor confirms either theory. A popular wish among fans is for the team to draft two players at similar positions again, particularly on the offensive or defensive line.