With their first 3 picks in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Chargers went with defensive players. Saturday they finished up with 4 more picks, all of them offensive players.
In the 4th round the Bolts went with LaDarius Green, a tight end from Louisiana-Lafayette. Aztecs fans might remember his name. In the New Orleans Bowl against SDSU, Green caught 5 balls for 121 yards and a touchdown to help the Rajin' Cajuns to a last-second win. He has great athletic gifts, but is raw. With coaching, though, he could become a matchup nightmare.
In the 5th round the Chargers selected Penn State offensive lineman Johnnie Troutman. The kid is massive, and is a skilled guard. The concern is his attitude. Troutman's work ethic has been questioned, and he got a DUI last year. If his head is right, Troutman can be a valuable backup.
The Chargers had two picks in the 7th round. First, they nabbed Michigan center David Molk, winner of the Rimington Trophy as the best center in college football. He's the opposite of Troutman. Molk is a tremendous worker, but he's had injury problems. If he stays healthy, he could eventually replace Pro Bowler Nick Hardwick.
With their final selection, San Diego went with Michigan State running back Edwin Baker. He had success his junior year, but slipped on the depth chart in 2011 and was used in a platoon situation. Baker has decent speed and earns compliments on his blocking. Overall, it looks like a pretty good draft for the Bolts.
But ask me again in 2015.
