NFL power rankings: Post-2019 NFL Draft breakdown for all 32 teams
By Peter Panacy
Rnd | Player | Pick | Pos | College/Univ |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jerry Tillery | 28 | DT | Notre Dame |
2 | Nasir Adderley | 60 | S | Delaware |
3 | Trey Pipkins | 91 | OT | Sioux Falls |
4 | Drue Tranquill | 130 | LB | Notre Dame |
5 | Easton Stick | 166 | QB | North Dakota St. |
6 | Emeke Egbule | 200 | LB | Houston |
7 | Cortez Broughton | 242 | DT | Cincinnati |
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/1/2019.
Last year, the Los Angeles Chargers were the beneficiaries of safety Derwin James falling in the NFL Draft, then quickly rising in 2018 NFL power rankings throughout much of last year.
James, the stud All-Pro, will be joined by one of the best free safety prospects in this year’s class, Delaware’s Nasir Adderley, who could combine to make one of the most dominant back ends we’ve seen since the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” days. Interestingly enough, the Chargers operate a similar Cover 3 single-high defense, and Adderley should thrive in that system.
That was almost a luxury pick for Los Angeles, who also landed underappreciated defensive tackle Jerry Tillery at the end of Round 1.
Tillery should end up being the long-term replacement for veteran defensive tackle Corey Liuget. If Tillery can benefit from the pass-rushing prowess of edge rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Gordon, watch out.
The Chargers needed to invest in some protection for quarterback Philip Rivers, too, and they did so, grabbing also-underappreciated offensive tackle Trey Pipkins. He’ll be able to compete right away and is a dark-horse candidate to secure a starting job in year one.
Don’t be shocked if L.A. secures the AFC West crown this season. Hopefully that convinces fans in the area the Chargers are worth watching.
They’re worth bumping up in NFL power rankings, too.