In Week 1 of the NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers kicked off against the Dolphins. The outcome was not what Charger fans expected or wanted. The same goes for the performance of the Chargers rookie draft class, as they were underused, or not on the field at all. It is only Week 1, and usually, growth is linear for rookies in their first season.
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Chargers Rookie Draft Class Off to Slow Start
Quentin Johnston
Johnston had a fairly quiet Week 1, as the first-round selection played 22 snaps against the Dolphins secondary. Johnston recorded 16 snaps out wide, and six in the slot. Of those 22 snaps, six of them utilized Johnston as a run blocker, which isn’t his strength.
Moving onto the more important stats, the former TCU product amassed three targets for two receptions and nine yards. Nothing spectacular or impressive, but limited snaps will lead to limited production. Johnston’s PFF grade was 62.7. Look to see the head of the draft class more involved in the passing game, as the Chargers play a much better rush defense in the Titans in week two.
Tuli Tuipulotu
In 22 defensive snaps, the former USC product was quite impressive. He was arguably the best EDGE rusher on the team in Week 1, as Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack disappointed against a very weak offensive tackle duo. In his rotational role, Tuipulotu had a 60.3 PFF grade, 74.8 in rush defense, 74.3 for his tackling grade, and 57.2 in his pass rush. These numbers aren’t jaw-dropping, but for a 21-year-old rookie in his first game, this is a good start.
Tuipulotu had two tackles, a pressure, and a stop. For his play on special teams, he logged 25 snaps, earning a 60.9 grade. Look for the second-round selection to build off his solid Week 1 performance against the run-heavy Tenessee Titans.
Daiyan Henley
Unfortunately, Henley suffered an injury in preseason and was doubtful to play. The third-round selection out of Washington State did not dress for this game. Henley possesses very good athleticism, instincts, and communication ability. This, combined with his strong preseason, leads Charger fans to be very excited about his play on defense.
Many forget that Henley was a standout special teamer, and his role on the 2023 Chargers will likely be a core special teamer, and the breath down Kenneth Murray’s back. In Week 2, Henley may return and have his first regular season game, and if Murray continues to disappoint, look for Henley to start sooner rather than later.
Derius Davis
Quentin Johnston’s college teammate, Derius Davis had his first game as the Chargers lead return man. However, he didn’t have too much to do, returning just one punt for three yards. The rest of his returns were touchbacks or unreturnable. Davis played it safe in his season debut, and that is good for a rookie returner.
For Davis’ play on offense, he recorded three snaps, two of which he was a run blocker. For his one snap out wide, he recorded a catch for five yards. Not too bad for a fourth-round pick in the Chargers draft class who only got to play three snaps of offense. The deep threat will continue to earn and expand his role throughout the season, possibly as early as Week 2.
Jordan McFadden
Chargers fifth-round selection Jordan McFadden did not log one snap on any side of the ball in Week 1. Although disappointing, this is a good thing. This means the Chargers’ offensive linemen stayed healthy, and the Chargers’ special teams are prioritizing players that are more of a fit for that side of the ball.
McFadden is an undersized offensive lineman with good athleticism, positional versatility, and hand placement. It is a possibility that McFadden could follow the steps of Jamaree Salyer, who has a similar build and draft status. Salyer didn’t start until injuries occurred, and the possibility looms for McFadden. Hopefully, injuries don’t occur, but confidence is high for McFadden’s ability to come in and be a very solid spot-starter for the Chargers.
Scott Matlock
Matlock is a sixth-round selection out of Boise State. Known for his hustle, fire, and athleticism, Matlock earned early trust from the Chargers coaching staff. In in Week 1 debut, Matlock logged 11 snaps, six rush defense snaps, and five pass-rush snaps. These snaps yielded a lackluster 48.3 defense grade, with zero stats. Matlock also played six snaps of special teams, earning an average 60.4 grade.
Matlock may not have set the world on fire in his Week 1 rookie debut, but playing 11 snaps as a sixth-round rookie interior defensive lineman is pretty impressive. Look for Matlock to see more snaps in Week 2, as the Titans offense is completely reliant on the ground game and Derrick Henry.
AJ Finley & Elijah Dotson
Both are undrafted rookies that made the roster, as Finley was touted for his maturity and special teams ability. Dotson was touted for his ability to play special teams as well, but also his dynamism as a runner for the offense.
Finley did not record a snap, as he was a healthy scratch. For Dotson, he suited up over the former fourth-round selection Isaiah Spiller. His ability to return kicks is what is believed to give him the edge over Spiller. Dotson’s Week 1 performance was a tiny sample size. Dotson had one offensive snap where he lined up out wide and ran one route. Dotson also did not play on special teams and ended with a 57.7 offensive grade.
All in all, look for the Chargers rookie draft class to class to continue to earn playing time as the season progresses. As fatigue and injuries start to settle in, as they do with all teams, expect these rookies to gain snaps. Among attrition, players like Henley, Tuipulotu, and Johnston all deserve more snaps, due to draft status or lack of impressive play from the starters in front of them. After Week 2 against the Titans, we will come back and see how these talented rookies played.
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Main Photo: Sergio Estrada – USA Today Sports
