2014 NFL Draft grades: San Diego Chargers select Jason Verrett
By Jack Crosby
With the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers went out and got themselves one of the best cornerbacks in the group in TCU’s Jason Verrett.
In three years on the field for the Horned Frogs and head coach Gary Patterson, Verrett compiled 160 total tackles with 10 for loss and nine interceptions. He had his best season two years ago when he picked off six balls and 63 tackles.
Verrett really opened eyes during his workouts, especially when he ran the 4.38 40-yard dash. That’s really when he began to pick up some steam and he hasn’t stopped rising up the board since.
As far as a fit with the Chargers, when you play in a division where you’re trying to stop Peyton Manning and the weapons he has at his disposal, taking one of the fastest corners in the draft is nearly a no-brainer. Now the Chargers will have a young, fast talent in the secondary that will be able to keep up covering Wes Welker twice a year, as well as the other pieces of the Denver receiving corps.
The Chargers could have also went in the direction of a wide receiver to add another weapon to the arsenal of Philip Rivers, but again, defense is key when you’re trying to upend the Broncos, like the Seahawks showed in the Super Bowl this past January.
Grade: A-