A cast of characters... and then some.

There is a common theme running through the Chargers' top draft picks from the last 2 years: 4-year starters who also happen to be “character” guys. Off-field incidents the past couple of years involving Steve Foley, Shawne Merriman, Terrence Kiel and most recently Stephen Cooper have revealed a fairly high “dumb-ass quotient” running through the roster and it appears that G.M. A.J. Smith’s drafting policy is reflective of trying to lower that significantly.

Eric Weddle (Utah) last year, and first-rounder Antoine Cason (Arizona) and third-rounder Jacob Hester (LSU) from this year have all been described as team leaders with strong work ethics and a good head on their shoulders. And this in no way is to imply that last year’s first round pick Buster Davis or any of the other players the Chargers have drafted recently are anything but stand-up guys, its just apparent from how scouts, coaches, other players and former guidance counselors (we’ve got some inside scoop, there) speak of these guys that “character” was definitely a draft day M.O. these past couple of years.

Article here about Antoine Cason (pictured, on right) formerly of Los Alamitos High School up in the OC.

Also, Darren Rovell, here, thinks that this draft may have been influenced by a book that came out last fall extolling the importance of having an outstanding left tackle. Left tackle being that position which is primarily responsible for blind side protection of the quarterback. In this, the first draft where the effects of this book could be monitored, there were 7 left tackles chosen in the 1st round (including the #1 overall, Jake Long of Michigan). In the previous 6 drafts, there were an average of 2 left tackles taken in the 1st round. Looks like Rovell may be on to something.