San Diego Chargers 2014 NFL Draft Review
Aug 28, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Marion Grice (28) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
DT Ryan Carretheres=C+
Behind DT Sean Lissemore in Mike McCoy’s 3-4 defense, rookie Ryan Carretheres has seen playing time. In 2014, the rookie DT has recorded nine total tackles along with one tackle for loss. His biggest game occurred against the Kansas City Chiefs when he recorded five tackles. In the past two games though, Carretheres has not seen any production. Because Lissemore is healthy and starting, Carretheres does not have much time to prove himself. He is still a good pick, however, seeing that he can still produce in relief of Carretheres.
RB Marion Grice=F
The reason why Grice gets the first F is because, well, he isn’t on the team anymore. Out of Arizona State, the rookie didn’t show much promise to the Chargers front office and was put on the practice squad, only to be signed weeks later by the Arizona Cardinals. Last week against the Cowboys, Grice rushed for his first NFL touchdown. Considering that Grice is healthy and the majority of the Chargers backfield is not, this could have been a useful pick. Now Grice is scoring touchdowns for Arizona. Ryan Mathews is coming back soon, but the Chargers still could have used Grice when Mathews and Woodhead went down with injuries.
WR Travis Reese=F
After Reese was selected, many were praising Reese as the next DeSean Jackson because of his unbelievable speed. According to the San Diego U-T, “Reese led the NCAA with 21 career touchdowns of at least 40 yards and on Day One of training camp Thursday torched Chargers newcomer Brandon Ghee on a stop-and-go with Clemens.Throughout the practice, Reese drove off cornerbacks wary of blow-bys, only to turn and catch a shorter pass. He said he devoted offseason workouts to coming back to snag passes, rather than turning and awaiting them as he had in Baylor’s option-read offense.” With that sort of recognition, it is amazing how Reese didn’t make the week-one roster, let alone the practice squad.
Reason why Reese was also given an F is because he was signed to the Bengals practice squad in early September. At the moment, the Chargers already have one of the most diverse receiving corps in the NFL. Reese’s explosiveness will definitely be missed, but the Chargers have quality vets that can easily make up for Reese’s absence.