ESPN Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. held the first of what will be many conference calls to discuss the 2017 NFL Draft.
Of course, the 2016 draft was still top of mind as we head into the final quarter of this season.
Kiper was asked about the Chargers rookie class, which has been among the best in the NFL. To the surprise of no one, he offered effusive praise for the picks from top to bottom:
"You can't miss when you have an early pick (third overall) like that, and Joey Bosa right now is one of best five rookies in the NFL. He's been a dynamic presence…. I think Jatavis Brown, (Hunter) Henry and Bosa kind of made their draft, there's no question about it"
What may come as a surprise though was that Kiper singled out an undrafted free agent on his own that has not gotten a lot of pub from national pundits:
"Then Trevor Williams, undrafted out of Penn State, has done a heck of a job as a nickel (corner). An undrafted rookie that's made the team and has contributed heavily."
Kiper is right that Williams has done an impressive job and is flying under the radar. The Penn State product has eight tackles, three passes defensed and one fumble recovery since being promoted off the practice squad. More importantly, he shows no fear no matter who he lines up against. Williams has not only elevated his play on defense after the Bolts turned to him but has also turned into one of the team's top special teams contributors.
