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Los Angeles Chargers: 2017 NFL Draft retrospective

By Jason Reed

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Desmond King #20 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs onto the field before the game against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Desmond King #20 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs onto the field before the game against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers /

The 2020 NFL Draft is fast approaching so we decided to look back at the Los Angeles Chargers’ draft performances in the last 10 years.

The 2020 NFL Draft is the most important draft for the Los Angeles Chargers in quite some time as the team is likely going to be selecting the long-term franchise quarterback that will sit behind Tyrod Taylor in year one.

In order to prepare for the draft, we have been looking back at the last 10 drafts by the Chargers and grading each selection in hindsight. Today, we look back at the 2017 NFL Draft.

The Chargers were coming off a 5-11 season, much like this past season, that was the typical Charger season as it could have been much better than it was with so many quick losses. It was also the last season with Mike McCoy as the head coach before the Chargers ushered in Anthony Lynn.

It should be noted as well that this was the year that the Los Angeles Chargers signed Austin Ekeler as an undrafted free agent, which would have received a grade of A+.

2018 NFL Draft Retrospective:

  • Draft order location: Seventh
  • Selections: Seven
  • Pro Bowls: Zero
  • All-Pros: One
  • Trades: N/A

First-round selection: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Mike Williams‘ career with the Los Angeles Chargers did not get off on the right foot. The standout wide receiver from Clemson was the best receiver in the 2017 NFL Draft and was viewed as a dangerous addition alongside Keenan Allen, instantly boosting the Chargers’ passing attack.

Williams did not have a traditional rookie season as he battled injury and was practically a non-factor in the minimal number of snaps that he received. However, since his rookie year, he has flipped the script and made himself a valuable selection by the Chargers.

Williams had 43 receptions for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns in his second season and then really blossomed into one of the NFL’s best deep-threat targets in 2019. Williams led the league in average yards per reception with 20.4 and finished the year with 49 receptions for 1,001 yards and two touchdowns.

There certainly were some massive names taken directly after Mike Williams, but for what the team needed, you cannot complain about the selection whatsoever.

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