Chargers select Antonio Cromartie
The San Diego Chargers select cornerback Antonio Cromartie with the 19th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Cromartie is a very good athlete, with the rare addition of excellent size to go with it. He has the quickness, hips, acceleration and playing speed to stay with receivers all over the field in tight man-to-man coverage, and he can use his long arms well to break up passes. When he backpedals with bent knees, he can plant, drive and close fast on passes in front of him. He has the hands to cut in front of the receiver to make the tough interception. He has the size and strength to physically dominate receivers in press coverage -- he can slow releases and can push receivers off their routes down the field.
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Comments
I was kind of hoping for Winston Justice since he fell to us, but perhaps the third time is a charm with a DB. Cromartie looks great and I hope he starts opposite of Florence for a long time.
David (April 29, 2006 12:23 PM)
The only question I have is his physical wellness after that injury last season and the fact the he came out as a junior. We need "O" line help still!!
BoltsGeneral (April 29, 2006 12:37 PM)
What kind of pick was that?????????????????
They passed up to excellent wide recievers.
Fresno Dave (April 29, 2006 12:50 PM)
I really hope AJ is as smart as he thinks he is. Big reach (really big reach) so let’s hope he's not a workout wonder.
Anthony (April 29, 2006 12:52 PM)
GREAT PICK! I love this guy, when it got past Miami without picking him...I was just waiting for AJ to call his name at 19.
Matt (April 29, 2006 1:11 PM)
From what I've heard Cromartie is very athletic but is way short on technique. Makes me wonder if AJ Smith is being paid by some other team to make such a marginal pick.
Randy Stambaugh (April 29, 2006 1:22 PM)
AJ Smith is either the smartest GM in football or he thinks he is. Antonio Cromartie has about as much football experience as Antonio Gates had! Maybe Antonio's don't need to play college football!? This is almost a Bobby Breathard pick! I'll give him this... a starting DB can help you win faster than a starting offensive lineman. I hope AJ proves me wrong, but I'm not doing back flips this year!
Steve (April 29, 2006 1:49 PM)
wow
what a reach.
why not take: justice or one of the two wide receivers.
Our only hope. Trade some
picks from next year and
move up aka the steelers
james roach (April 29, 2006 1:55 PM)
With DB's being the hottest postion out there and deemed the most valuable to any one team I think AJ made a good choice. Jammer needs some help being that Sammy Davis the "Candy Man" took a hike to the 49er's. Let's hope he takes the contract offer and hits the practice field soon.
Duane (April 29, 2006 2:04 PM)
What happened to Winston Justice??? We pass on Gallery, now Justice...looks like we're going back to marty ball
Chuck (April 29, 2006 2:11 PM)
The Antonio was kind of risky for me? Maybe they know something some us don't... But I would have gone with J Williams from V Tech... And how come they didn't or haven't moved up to get Chad Jackson??? NM, he's gone :( Still need help at WO and Oline..... Cmon AJ make some moves.. Broncos never hesitate to make moves up and down the draft...
Alex (April 29, 2006 2:48 PM)
I was really suprised with the first pick as well but hopefully AJ knows something we dont. Now that he is on the chargers im fully behind him
Tyrone smith (April 29, 2006 5:35 PM)
I've been talking about this guy for months now...couldnt be happier with the pick. Of all the players in the first round, he is the one I most wanted the Chargers to draft!
Rob aka Underoath
Zepeda (April 29, 2006 9:01 PM)
Let's see how things unfold. We have had some real solid players from the draft in recent years. I think the bolts may have found a couple of diamonds that just need some polishing. I like the fact the bolts have picked for the positions we need also.
sunny (April 30, 2006 7:04 AM)
I don't understand why so many people are thinking that taking Antonio is a "Reach". He was rated highly by just about every expert and picked by some to go prior to 19. He wasn't a guy that people that was a 4th to 6th round guy. If the chargers didn't take him when they did he was probably going to KC. I'm glad we got him!!
Michael (April 30, 2006 11:29 AM)
I agree that Antonio is a man. We need a CB that is more fearless and feels every ball is his. Good Pick. Re: Justice...he is not in the same league as Antonio yet. Justice was suspended for two semesters by USC Student Affairs Department. Justice's durability issues are completely overshadowed by his major off-the-field baggage. On the flip side, Justice shows a future perennial pro bowl offensive tackle in the NFL. But right now, a top CB is the right call I feel.
Vikor (April 30, 2006 8:02 PM)
I knew it. :)
TahirJon (April 30, 2006 9:30 PM)
Assuming Antonie works out great for the Bolts, what happens to Jammer? My buddies and I have always thought he should be moved to free safety. Is is a good fit there? Or does he find another home?
ihatetheraiders (April 30, 2006 9:48 PM)
I Think Antonie Cromartie was a great pick and the true wild card pick of the draft. He has big upside. If he would have played in 2005 I bet he most likly would have been a top 3 pick in this draft. If he can get away from his past injury, He should be fine. A solid pick for A.J. Smith. As a fan I hope Cromartie works hard to be great.
travis (May 1, 2006 11:14 AM)