San Diego Chargers 2010 NFL Draft Picks

by **Tvcoliseum.com** Tue May 04, 2010 10:10 am

San Diego Chargers

Needs Analysis: The Chargers moved up for who some called the best back in the draft, Ryan Mathews. After taking Mathews, they concentrated on defense. Third-rounder Donald Butler will challenge for playing time at inside linebacker. Fourth-rounder Darrell Stuckey does the same at safety and big Cam Thomas gives the Chargers a two-man rotation on the nose. I really like the late fifth-round pick of QB Jonathan Crompton, with Norv Turner coaching him as a potential No. 2 down the road.

Pick Player Pos Ht Wt College Grade* Fan Pick* Watch
Round 1, Pick 12 (12) (From Dolphins) Ryan Mathews RB 6'0" 218 Fresno State 8.2 27
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Pick Analysis: San Diego forks up a few picks to nab a new franchise running back in Ryan Mathews. As a big, physical runner with explosive speed and quickness, Mathews gives the Chargers an every down back to team with Darren Sproles. After languishing near the bottom of the league in rushing the past two seasons, the Chargers' running game is poised to make a resurgence with Mathews serving as the feature back.
Round 3, Pick 15 (79) (From 49ers) Donald Butler LB 6'1" 245 Washington 5.0 --
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Pick Analysis: The Chargers upgrade the depth at the linebacker position with the addition of Donald Butler. The former Washington star is a versatile player with instincts and awareness to be an impact player in the middle of their defense. Although he is likely a season or two away from seeing major minutes, Butler could be a key contributor to the Chargers as a special teams player.
Round 4, Pick 12 (110) (From Dolphins) Darrell Stuckey FS 5'11" 205 Kansas 3.7 --
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Pick Analysis: The Chargers add a ball hawk with the selection of Darrell Stuckey. The dynamic playmaker gives the team a versatile safety with the ability to play in or out of the box. He might emerge as the draft's biggest sleeper.
Round 5, Pick 15 (146) (From Broncos through Lions, Browns and Eagles) Cam Thomas DT 6'4" 330 North Carolina 7.2 --
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Pick Analysis: The Chargers land their nose tackle with the selection of Cam Thomas. The hulking interior defender has excellent strength, and his ability to occupy double teams will create space for the team's linebackers. For the Chargers to land such a quality player at this point, it is a huge value pick.
Round 5, Pick 37 (168) (Compensatory selection) Jonathan Crompton QB 6'3" 222 Tennessee 4.0 --
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Pick Analysis: The Chargers got a backup QB to Philip Rivers that many pepole think has a chance to develop. He had a breakout season last year with 27 TDs and only 13 interceptions. He was a backup to Erik Ainge in 2007 and just couldn't stay healthy in 2008, followed by a concussion in the bowl game this season. Durability is an issue, as well as accuraccy, as he never completed more than 58 percent of his passes in a season. But he's a big kid, throws a catchable ball, and played for four different coordinators in five years.
Round 7, Pick 28 (235) Dedrick Epps TE 6'3" 250 Miami 2.4 --
Pick Analysis: The second tight end from Miami to get drafted goes to the Chargers in the draft. San Diego lost Brandon Malumaleuna in free agency to the Bears, and Epps will compete for playing time as a backup.