San Diego Chargers 2015 NFL Mock Draft featuring T.J. Clemmings
Nov 22, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Matt Jones (24) runs past Eastern Kentucky Colonels linebacker Trey Thomas (24) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
RB. University of Florida. Matt Jones. 4. player. 13. After Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead both went down, the Bolts turned to undrafted rookie Branden Oliver, who delivered despite the odds stacked against him. While Oliver’s 3.6 yards per carry average ended up being the Chargers’ running downfall, Oliver performed well considering he was an undrafted rookie out of Buffalo. Ryan Mathews, despite suffering numerous injuries, had a bounce-back season with 330 yards, a 4.5 yards per carry average and three touchdowns. <p>And while the Chargers did rank in the top half in terms of ball security (only five fumbles, ranked sixth-best), they still ranked third-worst in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,367 yards. And if that wasn’t bad enough, their 3.4 yards per carry average ranked second-worst in the league as well. Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown are free agents in the off-season, leaving the Bolts with Oliver and Woodhead, two capable, but less-skilled backs.</p> <p>With that stated, we know that the Chargers need to draft a running back sometime during this draft so that in the case that either Woodhead or Oliver go down, there will be someone there to carry the load for San Diego. And if there is a certain someone who can fight through adversity and carry the load it’s former Florida Gators running back Matt Jones. During his sophomore season, Jones went through virtual hell and somehow found a way to succeed in his final season in the Sunshine state.</p> <p>Jones earned the starting nod for the Gators, but then suffered a season-ending knee injury which cut short his 2013 season. The ability to come back from a knee injury and internal illness as well as an unexpected coaching change shows Jones dedication to his craft and his team. Instead of looking to transfer to another school (which he could have done, he had offers out of high school from Alabama, Auburn and Clemson), Jones stayed and had a great season.</p> <p>His player analysis shows that he can be potentially a Jamaal Charles-esque type of back with great patience, vision and catching ability.</p> <section class=
The only reason that Gallik could potentially be overlooked would have to be his size. While Nick Hardwick was a slightly taller at 6-4, 305 pounds, Gallik stands at 6-2, 299 pounds. Even though this may not seem like a big difference, two inches and five pounds can be the difference between a block and a sack.
And even though his physical attributes must be addressed before he can truly be considered “NFL Ready,” he still proved in college that he has the intangibles to be a great NFL player. His vision, instincts, drive and overall football IQ make him one of the smartest centers out there.Training camp will polish Gallik as he was a four-year starter and two-time All-ACC selection for a Boston College which ranked 13th in the nation with 251.8 yards per game on the ground.
The only reason that Gallik could potentially be overlooked would have to be his size. While Nick Hardwick was a slightly taller at 6-4, 305 pounds, Gallik stands at 6-2, 299 pounds. Even though this may not seem like a big difference, two inches and five pounds can be the difference between a block and a sack.
And even though his physical attributes must be addressed before he can truly be considered “NFL Ready,” he still proved in college that he has the intangibles to be a great NFL player. His vision, instincts, drive and overall football IQ make him one of the smartest centers out there.Training camp will polish Gallik as he was a four-year starter and two-time All-ACC selection for a Boston College which ranked 13th in the nation with 251.8 yards per game on the ground.
Per CBS Sports, Jones “showed a nice stutter-step to get defenders off-balance, a stiff-arm to keep them away and the burst to separate.”Although where Jones is not Jamaal Charles is in that his speed is not the greatest and in that he does not provide the blocking support needed to be valuable in terms of the passing game. He has had trouble blocking in the past and often misses blocks due to timing issues. And even though these characteristics are concerning, the Chargers have plenty of run-blocking backs to make up for Jones’ lack of blocking skill. Oliver is a five-foot punch in the mouth and Woodhead can definitely handle his own in terms of the blocking game.Jones would be the downhill, speed-power back combination that the Chargers in a sense lost with the loss of Ryan Mathews to free agency. In 2014, Jones went for 192 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia and 156 yards and a touchdown versus Kentucky. It all will depend on his combine statistics show up on the board.
Spaight’s athleticism and “chip-on-the-shoulder” playing mentality is exactly what the Chargers need in 2015. Freeney was way to old and rusty to deliver that quickness. On the flip side though, Spaight is not as experienced as Freeney is and apparently it shows in his play on the field. While Spaight may not have the experience nor the body type to play the 3-4, I believe that he will be able to develop well in the NFL with Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu teaching Spaight the ways of the Chargers. Even if he is just a special teams performer, I believe that Spaight will definitely show his value to the Bolts. He’s shown his value in the open field and in stopping the run. Spaight’s an underrated force and I think the Chargers should pick him while they can.
Spaight’s athleticism and “chip-on-the-shoulder” playing mentality is exactly what the Chargers need in 2015. Freeney was way to old and rusty to deliver that quickness. On the flip side though, Spaight is not as experienced as Freeney is and apparently it shows in his play on the field. While Spaight may not have the experience nor the body type to play the 3-4, I believe that he will be able to develop well in the NFL with Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu teaching Spaight the ways of the Chargers. Even if he is just a special teams performer, I believe that Spaight will definitely show his value to the Bolts. He’s shown his value in the open field and in stopping the run. Spaight’s an underrated force and I think the Chargers should pick him while they can.
With statistics like that, Everett could be a big addition for the Bolts. Rookie cornerbacks Chris Davis Jr. and Jason Verrett performed well last season considering it was their first years in the league. I think that if the Bolts sign all of their free agents in the secondary back on the team and add Everett, they will be able to repeat their great season defending the pass.Everett may be aggressive, but I think his underrated run support could be the difference between him and most corners.