LA Chargers: Ranking all 8 of Tom Telesco’s draft classes

Feb 25, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 8
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – LA Chargers

4. The 2018 Chargers draft class

Selections: Derwin James, Uchenna Nwosu, Justin Jones, Kyzir White, Scott Quessenberry, Dylan Cantrell, Justin Jackson

The arguments I made against Jason Verrett can, unfortunately, be made about Derwin James. However, we are all holding out hope that James can return at 100% for his fourth season and rid the injury-prone narrative in the same way that Keenan Allen did.

I have never been more excited about a selection in the moment than Derwin James. James was projected to go in the top-10 and he was one of those prospects that everyone seemed to know was going to work out. Yet, somehow, he slipped all the way to 17 and the Chargers were the team to open their eyes and select him.

And he was instantly one of the best safeties in the league in his rookie season. His versatility is unmatched and he makes this defense so much better. If he can get healthy and stay healthy then the Chargers have a top-tier safety to build the defense around for years to come.

The depth of this draft is also better than that 2013 draft. Uchenna Nwosu is a solid edge who provides valuable snaps on the defense. Justin Jones is a solid rotational defensive tackle, Kyzir White plays a lot of snaps, Scott Quessenberry is a decent depth interior lineman and Justin Jackson is a solid running back that just has to stay healthy.

If I re-did this article in two years then this class could fall if James cannot stay healthy and none of the other players improve from their early careers. Right now, slightly because I am biased with Derwin James, I rank it fourth.

Schedule