Eddie Brown III

Stay tuned for my interviews with Gene Cubbison of NBC San Diego, NFL linebacker Thomas Keiser and Charger offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles in the next week or so.

Posted in Blog, daily links, Featured, popular | Tagged daily links, Derek Togerson, Eddie Brown III, Eric D. Williams, Featured, Kevin Acee, NBC San Diego, popular, San Diego Chargers, UT San Diego

The 2nd annual draft interview with Eddie Brown III of UT San Diego

Published April 9, 2014 | By Booga Peters

Welcome to the second annual meeting of the minds between myself and draft extraordinaire, Eddie Brown III of UT San Diego. Eddie was kind enough to sit down and talk draft with us again. I asked Mr. Brown some questions and even had him critique the second edition of my 7 round Chargers mock draft.

Let’s get right to it!

Eddie: Big ups, Bolt Fam! In case you missed last year, my name is Eddie Brown. I’m U-T San Diego’s resident NFL Draft/Fantasy Sports guy. I also author The Cure page in every Monday’s sports section. You can tweet at me @UTEddieBrown. I’m in my 11th year as a journalist – six with the U-T – and sports is like air for me. I need it to survive. Tacos are my favorite food, and I enjoy a good scotch, but extra dirty martinis with three olives are closing the gap. I’m becoming refined in my old age (I’m 33) . Enough about me, let’s do this BoogaP!

1) With the draft being about a month away, is there any talk around Chargers Park regarding a specific player or position that will be addressed in the first round?

Eddie: It sounds like they’re focusing on cornerbacks, defensive lineman and receivers with most of their visits, but for obvious reasons, they’re keeping it close to the vest.

2) San Diego’s need at cornerback is obvious to even the most novice of fans. Is there going to be a cornerback available at 25 that you believe would fit nicely in John Pagano’s defense?

Eddie: My top two cornerbacks will be long gone – Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert and Michigan State’s Darqueze Dennard – and Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller goes to Cincinnati at No. 24 in my current Mock Draft. (Shameless plug alert! My Mock Draft – currently through five rounds – is updated every Wednesday at UTSanDiego.com.) Fuller’s physicality would play well in Pagano’s system. Personally, if those three are gone, I’d address the pass rush, and wait until the second round for a corner.

3) The Chargers are currently returning all 5 starters on the offensive line from 2013. That being said, I feel like the Jeromey Clary cap number must be dealt with prior to the draft, and, perhaps, as soon as possible. Is there an interior lineman in the draft that you feel could step in and contribute immediately as a starter?

Eddie: Certainly. I’m a big fan of Baylor’s Cyril Richardson and Clemson’s Brandon Thomas. Both will likely be around in the third round. Both will play guard in the NFL, but are versatile enough to play tackle. Another issue they could address is the future of the center position. Nick Hardwick came really close to retiring this offseason. I’ll be surprised if he returns after next season. There are six really good center prospects in this draft: Colorado State’s Weston Richburg, USC’s Marcus Martin, Arkansas’ Travis Swanson, Florida State’s Bryan Stork, Oklahoma’s Gabe Ikard and Utah State’s Tyler Larsen. Ikard and Larsen could likely be had after the fifth round. All could help at guard until Hardwick decides to call it quits.

4) After having what many consider to be a very successful haul in last year’s draft, is there any additional pressure on Tom Telesco to replicate last year’s success? Or does the organization believe that last year was a bit of an exception?

Brown: Quite frankly, I believe I’m in the minority in saying while Telesco’s first draft was a success, it could have been even better, and I plan on writing about it before Draft Day. There’s always significant pressure on general managers to have successful drafts, so I don’t believe there’s any added pressure after you hit one out of the park. In fact, successful drafts end up buying GMs more time. A.J. Smith essentially had one great draft (his first one), and he milked that for all it was worth.

5) Of all the collegiate players that I have watched at least 4 games on, Kyle Van Noy is one of my favorite prospects coming out. Van Noy looks to me like the epitome of a “football player.” He doesn’t do anything spectacularly, doesn’t have great measurables and yet he is all over the field making plays. Give us your scouting report of Van Noy.

Eddie: First off, he has deceptive speed. He’s an absolute nuisance off the edge as a pass rusher. He’s naturally instinctive, which allows him to play faster than he actually is. He’s the definition of a “playmaker.” My one knock on him is his pass coverage. He’s decent in zone, but coaches will have to work with him in man. Overall, he’ll likely go in the second round, and would be the perfect OLB in a 3-4 or SAM in a 4-3.

6) Back to the Oline. When healthy and in the lineup, King Dunlap played admirably and graded out pretty well. DJ Fluker was very good for a rookie. Has there been any talk of drafting a tackle of the future to replace Dunlap?

Eddie: I don’t believe so. I think they were pleased with the performances they received last season with the group they have.

7) Last night I posted the 2nd edition of my Chargers 7 round mock draft. It certainly generated quite a bit of debate on multiple social media platforms. So, I leave it to you. Tear it up! Tell the readers what YOU think of my selections.

Eddie: Having updated a Mock Draft every week from December through May, you have my sympathies. Kevin Acee gave me some great advice: “Don’t read the comments.” Ha!

Your first round selection of LSU’ Odell Beckham, Jr. is inspired. He would certainly add an element to Chargers offense they currently don’t possess. Howeva! (Stephen A. Smith voice) This draft is ridiculously deep at wideout. Why not address the corner issue or a weak pass rush, and grab a guy like Oregon’s Josh Huff in the third or fourth round?

I dig your next two picks (Center Marcus Martin and cornerback Pierre Desir). I’ve already mentioned Martin, and I actually have the Chargers taking Desir in the second round. That’s how big of a fan of his I am. Big frame, athletic and a hard worker who paid his way through school.

Your fourth round selection, Wyoming QB Brett Smith, is inspired as well. It looks like you have the Chargers future in mind with this draft, but I don’t think their brass is thinking that far ahead. The signing of Kellen Clemens was solid as well. They’re in win-now/catch Denver mode.

You have them drafting a nose tackle in the fifth round. I personally believe that has to be addressed on the first or second day. Having said that, La Tech’s Justin Ellis is a fine prospect at the position if they wait until the final day of the draft.

Your sixth round selection, Indiana WR Cody Latimer, is expected to visit with the team before the draft. He’s a great value this late, but if there’s a position they should double up on, it’s cornerback.

Your final pick, Oregon DE Taylor Hart, is solid as well. This team needs as many pass rushers as they can stockpile.

8) It goes without saying that drafting Keenan Allen in the third round last year worked out just fine. The issue is at the other starting wide receiver spot opposite of Allen. With Malcom Floyd’s return in serious doubt and the disappointing season of Vincent Brown, where do you see the Chargers drafting a wide receiver come May’s draft? Or do they wait and give Brown another shot?

Eddie: They definitely need to draft receiver, and I think they can push it until the third or fourth round. Players like South Carolina’s Bruce Ellington, LSU’s Jarvis Landry, Wyoming’s Robert Herron, Oregon’s Huff, Texas’ Mike Davis or Notre Dame’s TJ Jones would all be solid opposite Allen. I also believe Brown will be better this upcoming season, another season removed from injury.

9) The importance of having a quality nose tackle in a 3-4 defense cannot be overstated. Play at this spot has suffered for quite some time, save Aubrayo Franklin’s short stint with the team. Talk a little bit about the prospects that will fit in San Diego. ( Maybe 3 NTs and where they’ll be drafted)

Eddie: I currently have the Chargers taking Notre Dame’s Louis Nix at No. 25. If Nix sneaks past the Chicago(No. 14)-Pittsburgh (No. 15)-Dallas (No. 16) corridor of the first round, there’s a good chance he falls there. He’s a Top 5 talent who had a subpar season at South Bend, mostly due to injury, but adding a big man like him can have ripple effects throughout the rest of your defense (See: Lotulelei, Star in Carolina). I also like Penn State’s DaQuan Jones (2nd or 3rd round), La Tech’s Ellis (4th or 5th) and Princeton’s Caraun Reid (5th). Reid, especially, is being overlooked because he played in the Ivy League, but almost no tape exists where he’s not being double and triple-teamed.

10) And lastly, we missed you last year at the draft. What are the chances of the UT ponying up some dough and sending you to NYC? We’d love to meet up with you and talk shop in person.

Eddie: Unfortunately, the chances lie somewhere between San Diego erecting a statue of Norv Turner outside of the Chargers new stadium, and the Padres outspending the Dodgers in free agency. Maybe if the my Mock Draft continues being the No. 1 post on our website, eventually, they’ll wear down J However, someday, we will have to do this in person. Until then, it’s always a pleasure!

There you have it. I’d like to thank Eddie for taking the time to do this interview. He is a great friend of BoltBLitz and his insight is always appreciated. Be sure to keep an eye out for all of his work on the UT San Diego. You can also follow him on Twitter @UTEddieBrown.

Booga Peters

Posted in Blog, Featured, Interviews, popular | Tagged Chargers, Eddie Brown III, Featured, popular, San Diego Union Tribune, UT San Diego

Talking Chargers draft: My interview with @UTEddieBrown of UT San Diego

Published May 11, 2013 | By Booga Peters

As some of you may recall, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eddie Brown III of UT San Diego prior to this year’s NFL draft. Now that the draft has come and gone, I decided to ask if we could do a post-draft interview. Eddie agreed and I can’t wait to share his insight with all of the #BoltFam.

Below is the full interview. Eddie answered every question I submitted and I am very thankful for that.

Let’s do this! Enjoy.

The Chargers were desperately in need of help on the offensive line. That being said, were you at all surprised with the selection of DJ Fluker at 11?

I wouldn’t use the word surprised. Fluker is someone the U-T’s Kevin Acee had them taking when I presented him with the possibility the Top 5 offensive lineman (Joeckel, Fisher, Johnson, Warmack and Cooper) could conceivably be off the board. I had Fluker going in the 18-21 range, so the Chargers taking him at No. 11 didn’t sit well with me.

Do you feel they would have been better served to trade down in the first and, in your opinion, could they still have landed Fluker?

I do. I can’t imagine the pick lacked suitors with someone like Star Lotulelei still available. The heart issue was settled, and he’s probably the top overall pick if it never happens. I wrote going into the draft the Chargers needed help at several positions, not just left tackle. The fact they didn’t even draft a left tackle with their first pick, a potential reach, still baffles me, especially with someone of Lotulelei’s caliber still available.

Trading down was the best call, especially with the Dolphins having already traded up. The next team who had offensive line as a top priority were the Cowboys at No. 18, who coincidently ended up trading their pick to the 49ers. The Chargers could have certainly bluffed the Panthers (Lotulelei) or the Saints (Kenny Vaccaro) into believing they would take their player if they didn’t make a move. I have a hard time believing GM Tom Telesco had Fluker ahead of Lotulelei on his draft board – as he said – regardless of need. That would call the Chargers’ draft board into serious question.

During the draft, the biggest roar in Radio City Music Hall was when Manti Te’o was selected. What were your initial thoughts about the Chargers trading up for him?

I believe, psychologically, it will play a big role in helping Te’o overcome his recent issues. The idea, that after all he’d been through, an NFL team wanted him enough to trade up and get him could prove very powerful. The one issue I had was they needed more picks, not fewer. They simply weren’t in a position to sacrifice a pick for someone like Te’o, considering there were other inside linebackers who graded about the same, available where they originally drafted, i.e. Kevin Minter, Kiko Alonso and Jon Bostic. Not to mention, two left tackles – Menelik Watson and Terron Armstead – were available as well.

Not having a fourth round pick in this draft could come back to haunt them. The best values in this draft were had in the third and fourth rounds. Grabbing a Shamarko Thomas (a future star in my opinion) to play next to Eric Weddle would have been a boon. Thomas went one selection after the Chargers would have picked. Or what about Barrett Jones, who could play all five positions on the offensive line? Johnathan Franklin would have been the perfect tailback to challenge Ryan Mathews, and John Simon could have replaced Shaun Phillips. All of these players were absolute steals in the fourth round.

Speaking of Te’o, despite numerous awards and accolades throughout college, there are still concerns about him only being a two-down linebacker and his inability to shed blocks. Are these things being discussed around Chargers Park? Or are they higher on him in these areas than some other teams?

They believe he can play all three downs, but they’re also realistic about him needing protection. Honestly, he wouldn’t be the first inside linebacker who was better with a mammoth nose tackle clogging up the middle. Haloti Ngata certainly made things easier for Ray Lewis.

I feel like they have this covered with starting nose tackle Cam Thomas and Kwame Geathers, an undrafted free agent out of Georgia. It wouldn’t surprise me if Geathers eventually replaces Thomas or at least earns more time on the field. He’s a 6-foot-6, 342-pound monster, who’s quite nimble on his feet. As far as the skills we can’t question about Te’o: his football instincts are second to none, and his effort never wanes.

The drafting of Keenan Allen in the third round was a great move for the Chargers. How surprised were you that he fell that far? What are the team’s expectations for him in year one?

Here I was surprised. I had Allen falling into the second round, but never conceived he would fall this far. I imagine he’ll be competing for a starting spot in year one. I’ll say this much: Adding Allen to a healthy Danario Alexander and Vincent Brown give the Chargers three young, extremely athletic playmakers at the position. That’s not even counting Malcom Floyd or Antonio Gates. Assuming Philip Rivers is upright more – not a given considering they still don’t have a left tackle – the Chargers passing game could be one of the more explosive aerial assaults in the NFL.

Are there any concerns about the supposed failed drug test(s) by Allen? Additionally, was the fact that he was still injured the reason why his forty time was only 4.71?

Trust me, failed drug tests, especially if we’re dealing with marijuana, are not a concern to most NFL teams. Talent will win out every time. Just look at Tyrann Mathieu. I believe Allen’s injury did play a role in his forty time. Fully healthy, he’s more of a 4.5 guy. Regardless, Anquan Boldin ran a similar time and he turned out great. Allen actually reminds me of Boldin a little.

I like the speed and ball skills of Steve Williams. What has the team said about him and what were your thoughts on him going into the draft?

For his size, Williams can leap tall buildings in a single bound. There’s no questioning the kid’s athleticism. The Chargers are likely going to give him the opportunity to be the nickel back year one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him utilized in the return game either.

I was high on Williams and his teammate at Cal, Marc Anthony. I feel Anthony has the higher ceiling, and it surprised me he dropped to the seventh round, although he was selected by the Ravens, which means he’ll likely be an All-Pro someday. Williams matches up well with the guys he’ll be covering in the division: Wes Welker, Dexter McCluster, etc.

The Chargers drafted Tourek Williams in the 6th round. What is it about his game that will allow for a smooth transition from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker?

I’m not sure the transition will be smooth, but he certainly has certain attributes you require in a 3-4 outside linebacker. He was very athletic for a defensive end. His speed and agility should easily translate to the NFL. I know Telesco digs his motor. The fact is he’s a natural pass rusher, and with the loss of Phillips to Denver, he’ll have every opportunity to step in and fill that need.

What did the Chargers see in Brad Sorensen that made him the selection in the 7th? Did you see any signs of the team taking a quarterback that late in the draft?

Early on in the process, I thought they might take a quarterback late. Although, Sorenson was one of the guys I imagined would be a good fit (the other was Duke’s Sean Renfree) considering he’s showcased a great command of the pocket and a very strong arm, the pick surprised me a little.

First off, Tyler Bray and Matt Scott were still available. Mind you, Bray apparently is ignorant when it comes to reading a playbook, but I believe Scott could easily be the starter in Jacksonville by the end of next season. Secondly, they entered this draft needing to sure up the offensive line, and they only select one (not even a left tackle). As far as Sorensen is concerned, his size and arm strength are proto-typical.

Was there a player on the board when the Bolts were on the clock, in any round, that you were sure the Chargers were going to take?

When they traded up in the second, I initially thought it was for Watson or Armstead. Locking in your two tackles for the next decade wouldn’t have been a bad way to start this draft. Everyone in the newsroom were certain they would have selected Armstead in the third if the Saints wouldn’t have snatched him right before they selected.

Which player was your favorite selection of San Diego’s draft?

Keenan Allen. No question. It was the one clear circumstance where I was positive they were selecting the best player available.

Which Charger draft pick do you believe could be the sleeper of the class?

Steve Williams. I know he’s small for the position, but his speed and athleticism make him a dynamic player, and it’s been a while since the Chargers had a dynamic cornerback. Both Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason were serviceable.

Which team do you think had the best draft class?

The 49ers. I believe they drafted a future starter with their first six selections. Many of them will contribute year one. Runners Up: The Vikings and Rams.

Were you surprised that EJ Manuel was the first quarterback taken? Were you surprised that Geno Smith did not go in the first round?

I was surprised about Manuel. I believe that speaks to how poor this quarterback class was. Most of us who mocked this draft for months found it hard to place quarterbacks in the first round, because it honestly didn’t make sense for any of them to be drafted there, but were forced to because everyone knew certain teams, against better judgment, would take one anyways. If there was a QB who “deserved” to be selected in the first round, it was Smith. He had an outstanding collegiate career and aced all of the tests leading up to the draft.

The Chargers said that DJ Fluker was the highest rated player available on their board when they picked at 11. Do you have any idea if Tavon Austin was on that list?

I wasn’t privy to their board, but I have to imagine Austin was high. Once again, I can’t imagine why they had Fluker over Lotulelei. I understand the “need” aspect, but a board should be about who’s a better player, not a team’s needs. Obviously, teams don’t always draft the best player available because of needs, but at very least the board should represent their scouting process.

Although it is extremely premature, if you were to grade the Chargers 2013 draft, what grade would you give it?

I’d give it somewhere between a C+ and B-. I thought it was lazy most of the media gave them high marks based on them landing three players who were rated as first round picks at some point in the process. Fluker will be a solid player, but I’m not positive his best position isn’t even at guard, let alone right tackle. He’s definitely not a left tackle. He’s a mauler nonetheless. As long as they have BIGS upfront protecting Te’o, he’s capable of making a few Pro Bowls, and Allen could end up being their No. 1 wideout.

My main issue lies with the final day. They needed more picks, and they ended up using fewer picks then what they started with. Not having a fourth rounder caused them to miss out on some of the best values this draft had to offer, and while I see promise in S. Williams, T. Williams and Sorensen, at least one of those picks needed to be an offensive lineman. Regardless, I see more promise in this regime, than I witnessed over the past few years of the previous regime.

Could you please tell everyone where we can find your work and what you’ll be doing with UT San Diego now that the draft has come and gone?

You can always find my stuff at utsandiego.com/sports. Most of my stuff is under the Fantasy Sports heading (I admit, our website isn’t the easiest to navigate), because I’m trying to build that up at the U-T. The draft kept me from attacking baseball properly, but you can expect me to start cranking fantasy content out now that I’ve had a breather. When football season starts, my draft stuff will kick back into high gear and I’ll be able to help anyone with their fantasy football needs. You can also follow me @UTEddieBrown on Twitter. I dig the interaction.

I’d once again like to thank BoogaP for having me. BoltBlitz.com is a righteous website. Count me as a fan. #BoltFamRocks

My thanks go out to Eddie for taking the time to do another interview with me for BoltBlitz.com. Be sure you follow him on Twitter and check out his stuff on UT San Diego.

If you have any questions regarding this interview, feel free to leave them below in the comment section

Thanks a lot for reading.

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

Posted in Blog, Draft, Featured, Interviews, popular | Tagged Chargers, Eddie Brown III, Featured, NFL Draft, popular, San Diego Union Tribune, UT San Diego

Post-Draft Interview with Eddie Brown III of UT San Diego

Published May 10, 2013 | By Booga Peters

As some of you may recall, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eddie Brown III of UT San Diego prior to this year’s NFL draft. Now that the draft has come and gone, I decided to ask if we could do a post-draft interview. Eddie agreed and the I can’t wait to share his insight with all of the #BoltFam.

Below is the full interview. Eddie answered every single question I submitted and I am very thankful for that.