The most underrated part of a general manager’s ability to build a competing roster is their ability to hit on day three selections in the draft. The ability to get players for an extremely low cost, who perform much better is crucial in a team’s long-term success. Take Brock Purdy for example. The 49ers are now able to have the cheapest rookie contract in the 2023 NFL draft, as their starting quarterback. This has led them to be able to pay for plenty of their weapons, giving their team another shot at the Superbowl. So how did the Chargers fair on day three of the 2023 NFL draft?
Read: Original Stat Line Predictions
Chargers Day Three Selections: Revisiting Statline Predictions
Chargers Draft Selection: Derius Davis
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Derius Davis with their fourth-round selection, at pick 125. Davis is mainly known for his returning ability and was considered by many the best return man in the draft. However, this was still seen as a reach by many. He was the teammate of their first-round selection, Quentin Johnston. They looked to recreate their dynamic duo status from TCU to the NFL.
Predicted Statline
“Davis possesses legit 4.3 speed, and the ability to make plays with manufactured touches, like jet sweeps, end-arounds, and screens. The role Davis will see for the 2023 Chargers will likely be special teams return specialist with some snaps on offense to give all-star quarterback, Justin Herbert a deep threat to throw bombs to. Davis is expected to start at both kick and punt returns…”
- 3 Catches
- 60 Yards
- 1 Touchdown
- 30 Rushing Yards
- 1 Return Touchdown
- 27 Yards Per Kick Return
- 7.5 Yards Per Punt Return
Actual Statline
- 15 Catches
- 66 Yards
- 0 Touchdowns
- 101 Rushing Yards
- 1 Return Touchdown
- 22 Yards Per Kick Return
- 16 Yards Per Punt Return
Analysis
Day three for The Chargers draft started off very well. Derius Davis was selected second-team all-pro for his immaculate return ability. His impact in the receiving game was much more conservative than originally thought, as he was more of a volume receiver who caught the ball and did not use his speed and agility to make tacklers miss. However, in the running game, he was explosive. Davis’ 101 yards on only 14 attempts showed that he can truly be a threat on the aforementioned end-arounds and jet sweeps. Something that the Chargers have not had since what might have been Darren Sproles. A slam-dunk selection by former general manager, Tom Telesco.
DERIUS DAVIS 87-YARD PUNT RETURN TD
📺: @espn pic.twitter.com/SscseBtaDQ
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 7, 2023
Chargers Draft Selection: Jordan McFadden
Jordan McFadden was the Chargers’ fifth-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft, coming from Clemson. McFadden was a tackle during his long tenure at Clemson, but his small frame at 6’2 300, was apparent that he was a guard in the NFL. His athleticism and experience were more than enough for the Bolts to select the versatile offensive linemen at pick 156.
Predicted Statline
“The Chargers continued to add rookie talent to the offensive line with Jordan McFadden. McFadden is a 23-year-old, shorter offensive tackle who uses his natural leverage to his advantage. He is tough, strong, and quite agile for his size. He can play both offensive tackle and guard, and projects as a guard for the Chargers.
Barring injury, McFadden will likely be a reserve lineman, playing as the OT4 and swing guard if either of last year’s draft picks, Jamaree Salyer or Zion Johnson go down. ”
- 1 Game Started
- 100 Special Teams/Offensive Snaps
Actual Statline
- 2 Games Started
- 163 Offensive Snaps
- 12 Special Teams Snaps
Analysis
Jordan McFadden had a very impressive first start after the former first-round selection, Zion Johnson went down with an injury at the end of the season. It was enough to warrant a full analysis of his play, and hope for him to be a future steal. However, the very next week, a hungry Chris Jones took his lunch money and ran with it. McFadden also had some run at “jumbo” fullback during the early part of the season, showing he could be a versatile offensive lineman for this team. Not bad thus far for a fifth-rounder.
Jordan McFadden pancake on the first play of the game! pic.twitter.com/uKGhaOKNXh
— 🤙🏻 (@RunThaBaII) January 3, 2024
Chargers Draft Selection: Scott Matlock
With the Chargers’ sixth-round selection, the Bolts took Scott Matlock at pick 200. The athletic monster from Boise State was coming into a team that desperately needed more help on the interior defensive. However, he was seen as a project, likely taking a few years to blossom into the full potential Matlock that the team hopes he can become.
Predicted Statline
“Matlock is a 6′-4″ sub-300-pound interior defensive lineman with a great first step and elite athleticism. His athleticism paired with his relentless effort was enough to have the Chargers place a sixth-round selection to develop him.
Matlock is likely to play a small rotational role on the Chargers defensive line, lining up all across this defensive line. He also brings some offensive versatility if Kellen Moore so wishes to choose him as the jumbo tight end in red zone packages.”
- 10 Tackles
- 1 Tackles For Loss
- .5 Sacks
- 4 Pressures
- 1 Receiving Touchdown?
Actual Statline
- 15 Tackles
- 1 Tackles For Loss
- 0 Sacks
- 3 Pressures
- 0 Receiving Touchdowns
Analysis
The selection of Matlock was one that should not warrant much expectation right away. He was drafted to be developed and his play in 2023 definitely shows that. His effort and athletic ability popped at times during his rookie season, but his PFF grade of 36.8 leaves much to be desired. Matlock will have an uphill battle to make the roster in 2024, as the regime that drafted him is gone.
Positively, under this new coaching staff and more importantly, new strength and condition coach, Ben Herbert, Matlock will possibly have the best coaching staff in the league to take his tools and turn this project player into a starter.
3rd and Goal from the 2? Sorry but Matlock @Scott_Matlock28 is on the case!#BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/Kj3MhvgoaP
— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) January 1, 2024
Chargers Draft Selection: Max Duggan
The last selection in the 2023 NFL draft for the Chargers was quarterback, Max Duggan. The TCU quarterback reunites with his top two graduating receivers, Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis on the Chargers. Duggan was selected to be the future backup if Easton Stick did not get re-signed after the season. The seventh-round selection was also taken to help the development of the two receivers taken by the Bolts, giving them a familiar face and arm in the building.
Predicted Statline
“Duggan brings a highly athletic skillset to the Chargers quarterback room, running an elite 4.52 40-yard dash. He can create plays with his legs, showing willingness and toughness in his rushing ability. He doesn’t have the strongest arm or the best processing skills, but he has a lot of athletic talent to become a good depth piece for the Chargers. Duggan will be fighting for the QB2 job in preseason and camp but likely will be delegated to QB3.”
- Clipboard Holder of the Year
- Leadership Ability
- Maybe Some Taysom Hill-esque packages?
- Practice MVP
Actual Statline
- Clipboard Holder of the Year – I guess?
- Leadership Ability – ✔
- Maybe Some Taysom Hill-esque packages? – ❌
- Practice MVP – ❌
Analysis
Max Duggan did not make the roster for the Chargers in 2023. He was cut and elevated more times than I can count during the season, but he now finds himself as the QB3, as Easton Stick was re-signed after his admirable play when starter, Justin Herbert went down with injury. Duggan will still bring leadership ability to the locker room, as his leadership was extremely important to TCU’s championship run in 2022. Furthermore, his athletic ability will be perfect for him to replicate the opposing team’s mobile quarterbacks. The importance of having a guy on the practice squad who can play the “Mobile Quarterback role” in practices leading up to a game versus teams that possess a mobile quarterback cannot be understated.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
