Chargers bolster depth at key positions in productive day two

The San Diego Chargers moved up seven spots in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft to select the Nigerian native, Jeremiah Attaochu, outside linebacker from Georgia Tech.

In doing so, the Chargers have strengthened a pass rush that ranked among the bottom half of the league in terms of sacks last season.

STRENGTHS:  Good burst off the snap. Heats up the edge and runs the arc. Quick inside move. Disruptive ability. Motor runs hot — keeps coming after the quarterback and chases hard from the back side. Moves well laterally and can zone drop. Has experience in even and odd fronts, having played defensive end and stand-up linebacker. Power-leverage potential. Mature and intelligent. Cares about the game and prepares like a pro. Arrow pointing up (will be a 21-year-old rookie). Ran extremely well and registered a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump at his pro day.

WEAKNESSES:  Needs to get stronger (opted not to bench at pro-day workout). Gets knocked around at the point of attack. Controlled by larger blockers when they get their hands on him. Still developing pop and violence in his hands. Still learning to incorporate power into his rush (more effortful than powerful). Needs to cultivate his pass-rush arsenal. Marginal 20-yard shuttle time (4.68 seconds), indicating tight hips.

* Scouting report from  NFL.com

Analysis: The Chargers moved up and got their man with the No. 50 pick in the draft. Ideally, Attaochu, who turned 21 in January, can sit for a majority of the early part of the 2014-2015 season and learn behind veterans Dwight Freeney and Jarrett Johnson, while he gets stronger and refines his skills. The upside for the future is bright for Attaochu, who owns the Georgia Tech all-time sack record, has and good speed, running a 4.7 40-yard dash, and a nonstop motor, for someone who is 6’5’’ and 252 lbs.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Chris Watt (66). Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

With the 89th pick, the Chargers selected Chris Watt guard out of Notre Dame.

Strengths:  Engages quickly and runs his feet on contact. Effective with an angle and can swing his hips in the hole. Generates movement in the run game and works to finish blocks. Good bend and balance — plays on his feet. Sound fundamentals in pass protection. Strong, active hands to punch and control defenders. Can shuffle and slide. Good mobility. Works well in tandem. Smart and alert. Praised for his toughness and blue-collar work ethic. Three-year starter.

Weaknesses:  Lacks ideal arm length and does not have large hands. Needs more sand in his pants. Susceptible to bull rush when powerful tackles get into his frame. Average athlete. Inconsistent connecting with moving targets in space. Missed his final bowl game after suffering a knee injury.

*Scouting report from NFL.com

Analysis: Another good pick by Tom Telesco and Co. He is a hard worker, which is always a good quality for a lineman. Nothing really indicates that this selection will be anything other than a depth reinforcing move, short term.