KC Chiefs: Best pick from each AFC West team during 2019 NFL Draft
By Chris Clark
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Of the three other division teams, the Chargers are the most likely to present a challenge to the Chiefs’ division dominance.
Chiefs Kingdom has seen what quarterback Philip Rivers has been able to do over the last decade and a half. With young weapons like Mike Williams, Melvin Gordon, and Hunter Henry, a Rivers-led offense is a formidable foe.
The bigger needs for the Chargers to make a legitimate run at the division crown, though, are on the defensive side of the ball. The Chargers may very well have the most balanced roster in the AFC West, but there are some dire needs on the defense. That’s exactly why the Bolts picked Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery with their first-round pick.
While Tillery has the potential to bring a Chris Jones type of presence to the Los Angeles defense, he may not be their best pick in the draft. Because of the deeper void along the defensive line, Tillery may be asked to do too much right out of the gate as a rookie. The draft pick that could contribute more may very well be another defender taken at the 60th overall spot.
Deleware safety Nasir Adderley could be the best safety to be drafted this year. The 6’0″, 206-pound safety has the explosive ability to become a real game-changer. What makes Adderley’s stock on Chargers’ roster even higher is who he’ll be paired with.
The Chargers’ 2018 first-round pick, Derwin James, became a Pro Bowl caliber safety in just his first year as a starter. If Adderley were to become as disruptive at free safety as James is at strong safety, they may become the best safety tandem in the league.
Given this possibility, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see Adderley get picked with the 28th pick. In spite of this, Adderley falling into the Chargers’ lap in the second round is what makes this one their best pick.