Chargers make the right choice in Verrett

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego, CA- With the No. 25 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select Jason Verrett, cornerback, Texas Christian University.

And although it may be a little discouraging since Michigan State cornerback Darqueze Dennard fell within one pick, Verrett could just as well be the better selection.

Strengths: Verrett will help with the athleticism on the defense, as he ran the quickest 40 yard dash time, had the highest vertical jump, ran the fastest three cone drill and 20 yard shuttle, out of all of the cornerbacks at the combine. He is known for his quick instincts and his willingness to come up in the run game and make a tackle.

Weaknesses: Verrett is coming off of surgery to repair a torn labrum. Although his measurables are among the best in the 2014 draft, his 5’9’’, 189 lbs and a 30 5/8’’ arm length, create a few durability concerns at the professional level.

Analysis: Verrett is a good pick for this system, as a nickel cornerback to begin his career. Verrett brings speed and athleticism to a Chargers’ secondary that was desperate for ball players. His game will be able to translate to the many zone schemes that the Chargers employ, as his athleticism and quick instincts will be effective in both the pass and run game. He may not be asked to cover the true No. 1 receivers of the AFC West quite yet, which should assist in his progression as a rookie. All in all, it is a good pick for the system as Verrett, and his athleticism, have the potential to work well in the scheme that the Chargers use.