Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco is something of a controversial figure in Los Angeles, in large part due to his inconsistent selection of rookies. This year, Telesco and the coaching staff swung for the fences in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while they knocked a few picks out of the park, some of them aren’t looking so good.
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Checking in on The Chargers Rookies
Quentin Johnston
The Chargers first-round selection was Texas Christian University’s own Quentin Johnston. Johnston wasn’t expected to become a major playmaker until his second year when Telesco would let go of either Mike Williams or Keenan Allen. Unfortunately, that plan came early, giving the developmental project less time than he needed.
Chargers former first-round wide receiver Mike Williams suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the season, and likely has played his last game for the Chargers. Johnston needed more time to develop his hands, route running, and contested catch ability, but that time has to be now. Four games into the season, Johnston has disappointed in the stat sheet.
Johnston has only played 81 snaps and run 61 routes. On these routes, he had 11 targets, six catches, 44 yards, and a 60.3 PFF grade. The lack of production isn’t totally Johnston’s fault, as the coaching staff has limited his snaps significantly. When Johnston is on the field, he is creating separation, so the promise is there for the first of the Chargers rookies to produce like the other receivers in his class.
According to next-gen stats, Chargers first-round selection, Quentin Johnston was over DOUBLE the league average in average route separation in week three. pic.twitter.com/CaYPlIfC4A
— Nate Gosney (@NateGosney) September 25, 2023
Tuli Tuipulotu
Tom Telesco loves taking local talent to add to his football team, and USC’s own Tuli Tuipulotu has not disappointed. The rookie edge rusher has been a standout thus far and is rising up the ranks to become one of the best players on the Chargers. Tuipulotu, at barely 21 years of age, came into the NFL and has been a dominant defender.
Starting off as the third edge behind two All-Pro caliber rushers, Tuipulotu has made a strong argument so far for his role to be larger than what was initially expected. Chargers superstar Joey Bosa has missed time with injury and has been either delegated to third down-only situations or resting up on the bench due to his injuries. During this absence, it was up to rookie Tuipulotu to replace Bosa’s production, and he did just that and more.
The former NCAA sack leader showed off why he was selected in the second round, earning two sacks, 14 pressures, three quarterback hits, six hurries, and 11 stops. PFF has Tuipulotu at five sacks, showing that plenty of his pressure has led to him and another Charger defender splitting sacks, but it was truly Tuli’s sack. The rookie defender is dominating at such a young age, giving Charger fans excitement for his future with the team.
Tuipulotu will likely step back into a rotational edge rusher with the full health of Joey Bosa coming back soon. Giving both Mack and Bosa rest will lead to an overall more seamless defensive effort for Brandon Staley’s group.
Daiyan Henley
Growing up in Los Angeles, Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco decided to select two local rookies in the 2023 NFL Draft. Chargers fans seemed to be the most excited about this selection, hoping he would push former first-round selection, Kenneth Murray to either perform or go to the bench. Henley impressed during the preseason, showing good range and coverage skills – something the Chargers have been begging Murray to show. Unfortunately, Henley has been battling with injuries and has only appeared in two games.
On special teams, Henley has been a key role player, playing valuable snaps in all phases of special teams. Henley was highly touted for his special teams skills in college, and the Chargers’ vision seemed to give him time to develop as a linebacker and use him as a core special teamer for the time being. The future is still bright with Henley, but the near 24-year-old rookie needs to start earning a role on defense if he wants a second contract with this team.
Derius Davis
Quentin Johnston’s teammate was also selected by the Chargers, mainly for his return ability and game-breaking speed. Many draft analysts felt as though Derius Davis was the biggest reach from the Chargers in their rookie class, but more than anything, Davis has seemed to be a great value.
Initially thought as a strictly only returner type of prospect, Davis has actually made his difference on offense. Through the first four games of the season, the 5′-8″ speedster has recorded 24 yards on four catches, which isn’t mind-blowing, but factoring in his role as a decoy, deep threat, and rushing threat he is a very important chess piece for Kellen Moore’s offense. As a rusher Davis has recorded 61 yards on four carries, averaging a staggering 15.3 yards per carry.
The Chargers fielding a starting returner with a niche role on offense for a fourth-round selection is quite a good value. Davis has been a pleasant surprise and could develop into a solid receiver and one of the best Chargers rookies.
Jordan McFadden
The Chargers selected Jordan McFadden out of Clemson for his versatility and polish as an offensive lineman. McFadden is likely the swing guard of the future and has shown promise in the preseason. Fortunately for the Chargers, none of their starting offensive linemen have gone down, besides Corey Linsley whose backup is strictly Will Clapp.
Brenden Jaimes is the Chargers current top backup along the interior line, but that probably won’t be the case for much longer. McFadden is turning 24 soon and has played both guard and tackle at a high level in college. He will likely be a long-term depth piece, and has appeared in two games on special teams. He has recorded a 60.7 special teams grade.
Scott Matlock
Scott Matlock was the Chargers sixth-round selection, and many loved his potential as a prospect. His RAS score was quite impressive, and the positional versatility was there at Boise State. Matlock even played some offense in jumbo red zone packages, catching touchdowns. With a 9.65 RAS score, the Chargers thought Matlock could be one of their high-impact rookies.
So far into his career, he has been a rotational piece for the Chargers defensive line, but the rookie hasn’t played spectacularly. Through four games, he has recorded a 39.9 PFF grade, one quarterback hit, one run stop, and one tackle on 68 snaps.
Matlock will have competition with Otito Ogbonnia as he returns from injury. Ogbonnia showed more promise in his rookie season, so look for Matlock to be delegated to special teams and development for the future.
Scott Matlock is a DT prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.65 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 57 out of 1581 DT from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/BMvuE9wc2N #RAS pic.twitter.com/n9ARoc0pPy
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 5, 2023
Are the Chargers Rookies Living Up to Expectation?
All in all, the Chargers rookies haven’t been over the top with talent, but a few solid players are not a bad start. Rookies like Tuli Tuipulotu and Derius Davis have already shown good returns, but a guy like Quentin Johnston needs to step up to earn their status as a first-round selection. There is plenty of time left in the season for these rookies to carve a role and contribute. Historically speaking, Brandon Staley likes to make the Chargers rookies earn their playing time, so look for these guys to have bigger roles in the second half of the season.
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Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
