NFL Draft: Jerry Tillery not biggest need for Chargers in first round
The Los Angeles Chargers needed to pick a quarterback of the future in the NFL Draft, but opted instead for a Notre Dame defensive lineman Jerry Tillery.
Jerry Tillery has the potential to turn into one of the most reliable defensive line prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. That’s high praise considering the company of players like Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams and Ed Oliver. Tillery doesn’t have the upside of those players, but he’s the kind of player who could be an above-average player in the league for a decade… if he can stay healthy.
Tillery notched 8.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks in his final season at Notre Dame. Those are strong numbers for an interior defensive lineman, especially one available at the back end of the first round.
Even if Tillery can stay on the field, this pick is a head scratcher. The Los Angeles Chargers need to find their future at the quarterback position. Phillip Rivers isn’t getting any younger. The New York Giants moved on Daniel Jones to backfill Eli Manning. It was a reach and a misevaluation, but it was in the right mindset.
To make matters worse, Drew Lock was available. Considered a potential Top 10 selection, Lock’s fall played right into the Chargers’ hand. They had the opportunity to secure their future at the quarterback position but couldn’t pull the trigger.
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If Los Angeles doesn’t get over the hump this season, this is the kind of the pick which could set the franchise back significantly. Tillery isn’t a bad player, he’s a good value in this spot, just not for this team.