San Diego Chargers Draft Preview: Cornerbacks
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San Diego, CA- The Chargers ranked 29th last year in pass defense, giving up 259 yards per game. Derek Cox was brought in via Free Agency to become a starter. He was a big disaster, and might not be back this year. Shareece Wright is an improving young player on the rise. He really came on strong in the 2nd half last year. The Chargers need another starting caliber corner opposite Wright. Here are a list of guys they can look at in the draft. I won’t mention Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma St. because he will likely gone by the time the Chargers pick at 25.
1. Darqueze Dennard Michigan St
Comparison- Charles Tillman Bears
Projected- Mid to late 1st rounder
Dennard is a physical corner who does a great job of pressing at the line. Rarely gets beat on double moves. Reads QBs eyes and reacts quickly. He isn’t the fastest, but has great technique to make up for it. A solid prospect with not many weaknesses. I expect him to be an immediate starter.
2. Jason Verrett TCU
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Comparison- Brent Grimes Dolphins
Projected- 20th to early 2nd round
Verrett is a ballhawking playmaker. He has great body control. He can close quickly on routes. Has the athleticism to cover in the slot. Hardly gives up the big play. Is physical, but isn’t the best tackler. Chargers have been looking for someone who can make a play that can change the game. Verrett has those type of skills.
3. Kyle Fuller Virginia Tech
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Comparison- Brandon Flowers Chiefs
Projected- 2-3 rounder
Fuller is most effective in off-man coverage. He is always around the ball. He has excellent play recognition. He is versatile enough to move to Free Safety. He has good size. Injury concerns could push him down on draft day. I think if he is fully healthy, he has 1st round talent.
4. Bradley Roby Ohio St
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Comparison- Sam Shields Packers
Projected late 1st to early 2nd round
Roby is an excellent athlete with top end speed. He has good ball skills. He has all the tools, speed, size, and athleticism to be special. Seems to have underachieved in college. He relies too much on his speed and athleticism.
5. Loucheiz Purifoy Florida
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Comparison- Chis Houston Lions
Projected 2nd rounder
Purifoy is on of the best man to man cover corners in this draft. He is a tremendous athlete. He has the agility to turn and run with his receivers. He isn’t the most physical corner and struggles at times at making tackles. Has the potential to be an elite cover corner.
6. Marcus Roberson Florida
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Comparison- Marcus Gilchrest Chargers
Projected 2nd rounder
Roberson has good size, length, and uses his long arms to disrupt receivers. He has good route anticipation. Has the quickness to take chances, although I think he takes too many chances. This makes him vulnerable to the big play.
7. Keith McGill Utah
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Comparison- Malcolm Jenkins Saints
Projected 3rd to 4th round
McGill is one of my favorite players in this years draft, but will turn 25 when the 2014 season starts. McGill can play press and off coverage. His wingspan and length are big weapon which he utilizes well. He doesn’t have top end speed, but does a good job turning and running with receivers. Has the versatility to move to safety if asked. He is a player that should make an immediate impact.