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We have our takeaways from the 2021 NFL draft class for the Los Angeles Chargers and what it means for the team moving forward.
The 2021 NFL draft is officially a thing of the past for the Chargers.
General manager Tom Telesco brought in talent on both sides of the ball.
With that being said, I wanted to share my takeaways from Los Angeles’ haul.
After drafting nine players, the Los Angeles Chargers signed 10 who went undrafted.
The Chargers wasted little time in filling out their roster after their haul in the 2021 NFL draft, signing 10 undrafted free agents.
Below are the members that Los Angeles signed Saturday night.
DB Ben DeLuca – Charlotte
DL Jared Goldwire – Louisville
T Darius Harper – Cincinnati
TE Hunter Kampmoyer – Oregon
K Alex Kessman – Pittsburgh
LS Ryan Langan – Georgia Southern
DL Forrest Merrill – Arkansas State
LB Amen Ogbongbemiga – Oklahoma State
T Kyle Spalding – San Diego State
WR Elijah Stove – Auburn
A former Chargers player and coach will announce the team’s Day 2 selection.
Former Chargers running back Hank Bauer will represent the team at next week’s NFL draft to announce Los Angeles’ picks on Friday, the second night of the event, per the league’s statement.
After his playing days from 1977-82, Bauer served as a special teams coach for four seasons (1983-86) and a color analyst on the Chargers radio broadcast from 1998 to 2014.
Voted in 2009 one of the 50 greatest players of the franchise of all-time, Bauer was notable for his play on special teams. His 52 special teams tackles in 1981 set an NFL single-season record.
The former Navy transfer finished his two year career at Notre Dame with 169 tackles, including a career-high 10 versus Louisville to open the 2019 season in which he served as a captain. He also forced six fumbles, recovered one and intercepted three passes in the blue and gold.
If you’ve followed this site or my ramblings about Notre Dame football in various locations over the years you’re aware that I’ve got a fondness for Alohi Gilman even if I’m aware of where he doesn’t grade out as an elite college football player or draft prospect for that matter.
If the Notre Dame defense needed a stop or turnover in the last two seasons it was as likely that Gilman was going to make it as anyone else.
Gilman was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft this past weekend by the Los Angeles Chargers where he’ll have work cut out to make what is a pretty loaded roster at the safety positions. Gilman’s ability to perform well on special teams certainly won’t hurt his case.
One of the cool images or moments of the weekend was seeing Gilman’s celebration after finding out the news of being drafted by the Chargers. Like Kmet in Illinois and Troy Pride, Jr. in South Carolina, Gilman was treated to a massive parade back home that was in-junction with Bradlee Anae of Utah, who lives down the block and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.
This was the start of an hour long parade for Chargers S Alohi Gilman and Cowboys DE Bradlee Anae, who live a block away from each other in Kahuku. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/cXPj2JC6yU
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) April 26, 2020
There was also a great moment just after Gilman found out the news from the Chargers as he and his dad shared a moment in the family home.
one of a kind moment 💛 pic.twitter.com/QvxmnOjQe8
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) April 26, 2020
The former Navy transfer finished his two year career at Notre Dame with 169 tackles, including a career-high 10 versus Louisville to open the 2019 season in which he served as a captain. He also forced six fumbles, recovered one and intercepted three passes in the blue and gold.
Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers everything fans need to know about the Los Angeles Chargers heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
Everything Los Angeles Chargers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
Head Coach: Anthony Lynn
General Manager: Tom Telesco
2019 Record: 5-11
1 (6)
2 (37)
3 (71)
4 (112)
5 (151)
6 (186)
7 (220)
The 16-year marriage between the Chargers and Philip Rivers came to an end after mutually agreeing to part ways earlier this offseason. With Rivers gone, Tyrod Taylor is slated to start Week 1, but he only has one more year remaining on his contract. They need a plan for the future as they embark on their new era in brand new stadium.
The Chargers signed Bryan Bulaga, solidifying the right tackle spot. But the left tackle position remains at question. Former third-round pick Trey Pipkins is currently the projected starter, but it remains to be seen if he needs more time to develop. Drafting one in the early rounds would allow them to have competition at the position.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both coming off productive seasons, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. However, there is no one behind the two that can be called upon. Travis Benjamin was released and the other guys at the position didn’t produce when they had the opportunity last season.
The Chargers struck gold with rookie sensation Drue Tranquill, but there are a lot of questions in regards to the positional group. Thomas Davis was let go of, Denzel Perryman only has one more year remaining on his contract, and there are durability concerns with Kyzir White.
Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama
Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Ben Bartch | OL | St. John’s
Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State
Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU
Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State
Logan Wilson | LB | Wyoming
