Team-by-Team Draft Recap: San Diego Chargers

Scott Peak Posted On May 21, 2014

grice

The Chargers waited until the final two rounds of the NFL draft to select fantasy-relevant positions at running back and wide receiver, making this one of the shorter draft recaps this season.

Marion Grice, RB SD (Round 6, Overall #201)

Grice has good size at 6’0″, 208 pounds. He does not strike me as a particularly dynamic runner, nor does he appear to have special abilities. He can run between the tackles and can get what is blocked. He is not very fast, proven by a 4.67 40 yard dash at his Pro Day. He did not fair much better with his broad jump (9 feet, 7 inches) or vertical (32), suggesting a lack of explosiveness. His 3-cone (7.06) would have left him out of the top ten at the NFL Combine this year. He did demonstrate strong capacity as a receiver, and could be effective as a third-down option. He can also return kicks and this versatility might help his NFL team more than dynasty owners. Notably, both Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews are slated to be free agents in 2015. Grice could be worth a roster spot in deep dynasty formats, but his path to fantasy relevance is less certain.

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Tevin Reese, WR SD (Round 7, Overall #240)

Reese lasted until pick 240 of the seventh round and I am surprised he fell that far. Reese may not be the best route-runner in this class, but he is fast. Reese clocked a solid 4.46 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine and I think he plays even faster. In a game against Missouri, there is a play where Reese has a few steps on his man, juggled the ball over five yards, full speed and still walked into the end zone untouched. He does not have the best hands and his concentration is at times an issue. However, Reese has the speed to challenge NFL defenses and could give San Diego the vertical presence they sorely lack. The Chargers have a gaping hole after Keenan Allen and Reese is the only wide receiver on this team with blinding speed.

He is not the biggest player on the field at 5’10” tall and 170 pounds, but undersized wide receivers like DeSean Jackson and Percy Harvin have thrived in the NFL. I am not saying Reese is in that class, but his size should not automatically exclude him from an opportunity to exploit his talents. He also showed strong athleticism at the NFL Combine, with the best vertical jump (41), the second-best 3-Cone Drill (6.68) and tied for first with a broad jump of 11 feet. Best of all, he is being largely ignored right now in most rookie drafts, so his price could not be cheaper. I would recommend stashing him now to see how the Chargers plan to use him. With his speed, the Chargers lack of it and a wide-open opportunity at wide receiver, Reese has intriguing upside, especially at his current valuation.

Torrence Allen, WR (Undrafted Free Agent)

Allen was signed right after the draft and should be mentioned as a long shot to make the team. He’s a small school prospect (West Texas A&M), but he was ultra productive with 3,098 yards and 24 touchdowns the last two years. He’s a bit small (6′ and 183 pounds) and struggles to get off press coverage, but he could project to be a good slot receiver down the road if he flashes any kind of talent in camp. The Chargers didn’t add any other skill players through the draft, so their undrafted free agents should be monitored closely. Allen may be the one with the best chance to make the team.

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