Grading Chargers’ selection of Drue Tranquill

Drue Tranquill, a linebacker from Notre Dame, is the newest member of the Los Angeles Chargers.

It seems that Tom Telesco is quite satisfied with his lineup at this point and is looking for pieces to add depth as rotational backups. That’s exactly what Tranquill is going to be. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Telesco has now drafted nine linebackers since becoming general manager of the Chargers. Clearly, it’s a position he keeps close tabs on.

Tranquill comes with injury concerns (he tore the ACL in each knee during his college career), so he’ll have to prove that he can stay on the field. Initially, he should begin his career on special teams.

More from Bolt Beat

• LA Chargers: 3 early takeaways from 2021 minicamp thus far
• LA Chargers: Drue Tranquill takes a jab at Gus Bradley’s defense
• LA Chargers second-year players: Nothing to lose and a lot to gain
• LA Chargers: Why running back could be a big issue for the Bolts
• LA Chargers: Chris Rumph’s upside is Melvin Ingram-like, but better

From top to bottom, the Chargers have a solid linebacker corps. However, that was the case before the selection of Tranquill so this pick didn’t necessarily fill a need. That said, the team doesn’t really have too many more needs.

Mack Wilson of Alabama was still on the board when this pick was made and a good argument could be made that he would have been the better pick. Many Chargers fans liked him going into the draft but those same fans will likely give this pick a thumbs up as well.

It’s hard to knock this pick too much, but there were better options on the board. Tranquill is an injury-prone player that doesn’t project as much more than a backup linebacker. Fortunately, that’s all he’ll ever need to be.

This was a fine pick, but it’s not one to get incredibly excited about either.

Grade: B-