Chargers 2011 Draft: Clemson DB Marcus Gilchrist

Written by Gil Alcaraz | 30 April 2011

With the 50^th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers select Marcus Gilchrist, defensive back from Clemson.

With the skillset to play either safety or cornerback at the NFL level, Gilchrist gives the Chargers a versatile player who can provide depth at multiple positions in the defensive backfield. Despite his lack of size (5’10’’, 195), he plays with toughness and a relentless motor that allows him to be more physical than most guys with his frame. However, his aggressiveness sometimes gets him into trouble if he reacts to fakes. During his time at Clemson, he saw plenty of time on special teams, either as a cover man or as a returner. That experience should enable him to make an immediate impact somewhere on the field as he continues to develop his coverage skills.

Either way, he will find a way to make an impact this season for the Chargers. If they are unable to re-sign Eric Weddle, he should at least get a shot to fight for the starting free safety position. If Weddle returns, he should provide depth at corner and safety, all the while lending a hand in the special teams department.

Overall, it was a decent pick. I like the versatility that Gilchrist brings to the table, but there were a few players of higher interest that they could have hauled in such as cornerback Brandon Harris or free safety Quinton Carter. His long-term value will come down to whether his coverage skills develop enough to make up for his lack of size.

Grade: B-