The Chargers and AJ Smith's 2008 draft and grades:

1. Antoine Cason: Very good CB/S that can play now, and will see a lot of time on the field replacing Florence. Excellent choice and looks like an improvement at that CB position over Florence. A.

2. Chris Chambers: The number one WR on the team, and CC improved the play of VJ and BD as soon as he came to the team, helped the team get to the AFCCG with Gates and LT hurt. A+.

3. Weddle: Starting new FS this year with one years experince. A (BTW this third was only about 40% of the cost to land Weddle, the rest was paid in last year's draft.) Weddle had a great year last year and has moved to starter.

3. Hester: FB/RB replacing an injured Pinnock and Lo Neal. Will contribute all year and adds pass catching to the position. Improves that position and adds more plays to the play book. A

4. Paul Oliver CB/S: Paul will contribute this year, he already has a year's experience of working with the team. B+

5. Marcus Thomas RB: Replaces MT with a very similar type RB, brings more pass catching abilities to the position. Will be a backup like MT was and see the field to relieve LT. B

6. DeJuan Tribble CB Could be a player in the Chargers system. Probably beats out Gordon for a roster spot. Tribble might also be a punt returner/ kick returner and contribute there because Sproles probably is done with that job, if Tribble does well. B

7. Corey Clark OT: Will probably make the team and backup both OT positions at RT and LT. B


In this draft it looks like all the choices were used on players that will not only make the team but contribute to one of the most talented teams in the NFL. So that is not easy to come away with such a solid draft but AJ has done it again. Solid A work.