The 6-4, 299-pound Reyes, the 49th overall pick, will play defensive end in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme. Most experts expected him to be picked earlier in the second round, and some even thought he would go late in the first.
Reyes was a four-year starter at UConn, and he finished his college career with 142 tackles, 32.5 tackles for losses, and 11.5 sacks. His selection, along with the one used in last year's first round on Corey Liuget, should give San Diego a bright future at the defensive end position. But for now, Reyes will probably work in a rotation that also includes Vaughn Martin and Luis Castillo.
The Chargers traded their sixth-round pick to move up from #78 to #73 in the third to select the 5-11, 209-pound Taylor. He will most likely play strong safety in San Diego's defense.
A three-year starter at LSU, Taylor finished his career with 160 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and four interceptions. As a senior captain in 2011, he recorded 71 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions. He was also awarded the #18 jersey last summer, which is given to the senior who best represents the Tigers' program.
With Bob Sanders and Steven Gregory not returning in 2012, the strong safety position was arguably the biggest weakness on the Chargers' roster. Before tonight, 2010 fourth-round pick Darrell Stuckey and recent free agent acquisition Atari Bigby were the two expected to compete for the starting job at the position. Now, Taylor is added to the mix.
After giving up the sixth-round pick to move up for Taylor, the Chargers now have four picks left in the draft. They are scheduled to pick in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds tomorrow. They have two selections in the seventh round, thanks to the compensatory pick they were awarded.
No comments:
Post a Comment