Official Chargers Blog

I would give it an 'A'

The plan was to get two impact starters in the secondary and tackle positions. We got the best Corner in the draft and a top Left Tackle. The rest was depth. The Chargers had a plan and they executed. These media guys dont follow the team close enough to see that.

However, I think we went a bit too heavy on o-line considering the guys we drafted last year. We could have added some nose tackles, but it seems that was addressed with the UDFAs...

Looking at the spread of the grades, it's pretty clear this is all just talk. But then, if these guys knew what it was really like to be put on the spot, they'd be general managers, wouldn't they?

I think that this draft can only be labeled as hopeful. All the picks have potential. I do not think ya'll saw Charlie Whitehurst play in person, he is really good and his off junior year had a lot to do personal changes not his ability.

Chargers get a c+ in the first day of drafting. Big gamble with Comortrie. But remember #22. Well AJ the egg is off your face for now. Let's see how he does. Narrowing spinal cord is a concern. Remember everybody is big in the NFL>>>.
Now later round Gotta give it up for the 4th pick trade and the 6th roung. AJ is one smart cookie. That is why I think our #2 is going to be a handfull if his ailment does not affect his perfomance. LT will have a Giant in front of him. so get ready fanz.

I think the Charlie Whitehurst pick was an excellent 3rd Round take that could pay big dividends. He has the makings of a great NFL QB, and just has to be groomed to reach his potential. Watch for Whitehurst to be an impact player in the NFL once he has a few years experience/practice behind him.

I already liked the Chargers and when you drafted Rivers, you got a fan. When you drafted Whitehurst, you locked me in. Whitehurst was on the preseason Heisman watch his junior year. Nobody could guess how bad the running game would be that year, and many would agree Charlie tried to do it all himself, with predictable results. Like Rivers, you can never discount DNA. Rivers was raised by a coach, and Whitehurst was raised by a LEADER in a quarterback's uniform. I guess I will be getting the NFL TV package and a one of those cool throwback jerseys. From the "other" Navy town. Cheers.

I love the Cromartie pick. I'm not too concerned about the injury. With the workouts he had, any effects of the injury should not be questioned. Not real big on picks 2 & 3. McNiells problems almost seem as if they are only going to get worse over time. If not, he will be a big time player. I would have liked to see them take Eric Winston instead. I understand the selection of a quarterback, just not at that point of the draft. We do not have a young QB to add depth at the position. If you are going to take one at that point, Charlie is a great pick. Aside from Leinart, he is as good as any of the QB's drafted before him. I was hoping to get WR D.Williams out of Oregon. A young kid who is a Mcardell clone. I know my thoughts sound wishy-washy, but I'm just an an idiot fan looking at things from the outside. I love AJ Smith and have every confidence in the organization to bring in guys to help us win the Super Bowl. So I know we will be fine. Mr.Smith and the organization do a great job with the draft and free agency. I love the drafting of O-Line late in the draft. AJ is big on depth and you can never have enough offensive lineman.

Personally, I would have prefered the Chargers trade down the 1st pick to a high 2nd (and perhaps a 4th) where they could have picked up Jimmy Williams. I would have used the extra 4th along with the 3rd pick and traded it for another 2nd round pick. This would have allowed us to pick up Winston Justice with the high 2nd and maybe Marcus McNeill with the other 2nd pick. Demetrius Williams or Darnell Bing in the 4th that we traded away was more immediate impact than a blocking TE. We will see..

This (Day 1) draft makes me nervous. A first round pick with limited experience... Ryan Leaf fans, does this sound familiar? And yes, I am a little gun shy.

Also, what's up with the injuries and medical conditions? Looking at this draft with beer colored goggles I can't help but ask myself, "Was no one else available?"

Except for McNeill who looks like he's going to start, this draft appears to be a crap shoot. Are the Bolts really that good to where they look to the draft to add depth? After all the tough times (less the last two seasons), I was kinda expecting draft picks to start... now we're adding depth and players "with potential."

There is no way you can give the Bolts a grade yet. It all depends on how Cromartie performs, and when. Is it going to be this year, three years from now, or ever?

AJ let Drew Brees leave without getting anything in return, and now a Day 1 draft riddled with injuries, medical conditions, and lack of experience. AJ is either an absolute football genius, or a fool. Only time will tell.

getting antonio cromartie was good and bad because of his injury history but he was very athletic at the combined, thats all we have to look at, but the bad part is now would be easier for him to get injured. I think getting whitehurst was a pretty good idea, because phillip rivers is an ok QB not the best but will do, but it seems as if whitehurst could take Aj's spot behind rivers

B: The fist two picks were risky but if you look back who would you pick to make an impact to the club immediately? The third pick for QB Charlie Whitehurst is a good value pick but will not help us this year. I would of picked up a safety instead. We should look at how this club go deep into the playoffs THIS YEAR!

Maybe not the strongest draft in Bolts history on paper, but I think solid choices. As with all drafts, it will be years before it can be accurately graded. #2 McNeil had a 43 game streak without a sack against him, the man can play. Good job AJ - C++.

Hi Charger Fans I Give The Chargers an (A) AJ Smith and All The Chagers Talent Scouts Did a Dilagent Job and there Homework Paid Off! The Combination Of Size - Speed - Ball handling Skills that MR.Antonio Cromarty Posses is not only rare it is Fanominal. Marcus McNiel is Going To Draw the Envy of other Teams for a Decade or More, simalar to What Shawn Merriman and Louis Castillo Who allready Have Teams Scratching there Heads of Why They Did Not Draft Them . Mark My Word The Chargers Draft Will Prove To Have a Signifigant Value When The Botz Meet thr Raider on Monday Night!

Cromartie is a risky pick but so is every pick. I like the fact that he played wide receiver and has the ability to catch the ball. Jammer and Florence are good but not great, and I've seen plenty of plays where they don't have the ball skills to go up and get it. You have to, trust AJ a little bit with some of his past choices but like every myopic sports fan I love these picks and can't wait to see them play.

Does anyone know how to judge talent in these drafts. The answer is no. Otherwise most of the current stars would not have be second and third round picks "with potential". I think most GMs are afraid of passing on a college super star for someone with a super work ethic and heart even though time has proven the latter will still be appearing in the Pro Bowl long after the super star is home watching it on TV.

I believe that Cromartie is the real deal he's fast,knack for the ball and has good size. mc neil great in college without even praticing much. whitehurst I believe has a lot of talent give him 2 years he will be the starter eventually.

This pick in the first round better pay off. Im am tired of seeing them waste great picks on less than average DBs.Ty Law would have been a huge pick up.We need to concentrate on keeping Rivers upright!

How many people gave the Colts an A+ the year they took Steve Emtmenn and Quentin Coryatt on the first day? Both turned out to be bad picks, and show that grading a draft before a player has even gone to minicamp is foolish.

i am a long time charger fan from the heartland. i was at a chiefs draft party. they wanted cromartie bad. if we had'nt of picked him they would have. mcneil was a great pick and tim dobbins in the fifth was a steal. i would give the bolts a B, AND THAT'S BEING CONSERVATIVE. GREAT DRAFT AJ SMITH!!

I am all ready on Recoerd That I Give The Chargers an A in the Draft! Once Someone Probably Said Bill Gates was an possable Risk as Some are led to believe about Antonio Cromartie . AC will Make Boys out of Men Once he is in Tune and in His Sride at His Corner or Nikle Back Position ! Make No Mistake Antonio Will Be Starting at Corner When The 2006 Season is Ripe . There Again Marcus Mac Niell ! is The Real Deal! along with Tim Dobbins Something about This Man Child has me Very interested To See Him at Camps end and were He Will Stand . The Kicker Smith Will Earn a Spot on the Roster if He can Produce touchbacks! I Think Between the 2 QB taken we will Find our Third Perhapes Second String QB! Some Project Lineman on Both sides of the Ball But are From Solid Programs ! not allways a the Manta of Other GM'S, I Like Robert Ortize even if Free agent, All around I think AJ Smith and all the Chargers Staff Coach Marty all The Scouts Drafted True Team Needs and To Me That is Why I Give them an A in 2006 Draft !

really the numbers don't matter to me i love my cousin chase page and am proud of how far he has come..

The Chargers are now my second favorite team with the selection of Charlie Whitehurst. He gets some grief over his junior year but he was playing behind an awful line with no running game. I've always liked Rivers and watched many of his games but Charlie is more talented. His arm is quite a bit stronger and he has much better mobility (4.65 forty)than he is given credit for. The Chargers have gotten a steal and in two years or so another quarterback controversy.

I think the chargers did a good job in the draf. I mean the two kids they picked up from the ACC both have a shot at becoming big stars for the chargers. Rivers better watch out cause Whitehurst from Clemson could steal his job. He is a pro type of QB. Cromartie might me risky but none the less a stud.