2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Chargers could take in Round 1

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (99) signals the fans during the college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Stanford Cardinals on September 29, 2018, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Jerry Tillery

Tillery isn’t projected to go in Round 1 by a lot of mock drafts, but his talent level is very appealing to NFL scouts who are willing to take risks on guys with questionable motors. If everything clicks for Tillery, he could become one of the best defensive linemen in this draft class.

In fairness to those who don’t like Tillery, when you watch him on tape it’s clear that his effort level waxes and wanes with little rhyme or reason. One play you can see him blow up the guard tasked to stop him, but he might be bulldozed by the same guy on the next snap.

The inconsistency is why Tillery doesn’t deserve to be in contention to become a Top 10 pick. His value proposition changes dramatically at this point in the draft though. Gambling on a potential Pro Bowler at No. 28 sounds great while gambling on a guy with a cold motor at No. 10 sounds like terrible draft management.

The Chargers might not be quite bold enough to pull the trigger on Tillery this early, but he’d be a smart pick for a franchise looking for a difference maker to push their defense over the top. He’s got a lot of bust potential, but he could also turn into a dominant defensive tackle for the right franchise.

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