After selecting a potential franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers traded up to get some defensive help in linebacker Kenneth Murray with the 23rd pick.
With the trade, LA was without a pick in the second and third round but today had a pick in each of the last four. The Chargers ended today adding depth pieces that could potentially provide some needed boosts to the team.
Scouting Report
RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA
The running back position is always a good place to have depth and especially for the Chargers after losing Melvin Gordon. They selected Kelley with the 112th pick after he posted back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons for the Bruins. He could potentially do the same for the Chargers if he gets the lanes and is able to scan the field better for open holes. He can provide a change of pace from Austin Ekeler while also proving to be a reliable receiver.
WR Joe Reed, Virginia
After being taken with the 151st pick, Reed adds depth to a receiving corps that lacks reliable options behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Last year at Virginia he caught 77 passes for 679 yards and seven touchdowns. If Reed doesn’t work out he can always play a role on special teams due to him being considered an excellent punt returner.
S Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame
LA took Alohi Gilman out of Notre Dame 186th overall. He is a decent box safety with decent projected range at the NFL level. At Notre Dame, he was a reliable tackler who provided big hits in the open field. He figures to slide into the rotation the team has but should immediately contribute on special teams. Gilman will join former fighting Irish teammates Jerry Tillery and Drue Tranquill after being taken by the Chargers in last year’s draft.
WR K.J. Hill, Ohio State
Even after adding Joe Reed in the fifth round, the Chargers weren’t finished adding to its offense. They selected Ohio State’s K.J. Hill with their last draft pick (220 overall). The former Buckeye led the team in receptions this past season and became the school’s all-time leader in receptions (201). A good route runner from the slot, Hill projects to be a depth piece as a good WR 3 or 4.
Final Thoughts
While many Chargers fans patiently waited during day two of the draft, they were rewarded with a number of valued picks today. The Chargers did a solid job in the draft this year adding some much-needed pieces to their offense around future quarterback Justin Herbert. They added needed depth on the other side of the ball with Alohi Gillman and an impact player in Kenneth Murray. It should be an exciting year to see what these rookies can accomplish and how they transform the team.
