The Best Draft Picks by the Los Angeles Chargers: Pioneering Players and Valuable Choices

The Los Angeles Chargers, a team rich in history and talent, have had a series of noteworthy draft picks that have contributed significantly to their legacy. While some picks have left an indelible mark, it's essential to explore both the players who thrived and those who might not have played for the team but still garnered recognition.

Justin Herbert: The Current King of Draft Picks

If we're talking about the best draft pick currently, the Los Angeles Chargers would undoubtedly point to Justin Herbert. Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Herbert quickly rose through the ranks and became the face of the team. As of my last update, Herbert has not only been a vital part of the team's success but has also rocketed to the top of the league in terms of performance and accolades. His impact and legacy are still being formed and will be a subject of discussion for years to come.

Junior Seau: From USC to the NFL Legend

However, if we delve into the history of the team and its draft picks, a different era emerges with former All-American and Hall of Famer Junior Seau. Seau was drafted fifth overall in the first round of the 1990 draft by the Chargers. Seau's impact on the team and the NFL as a whole was immense. He played 13 seasons for the Chargers, earning the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in his second year. Seau's legacy extends beyond the field into his role as an advocate for head injuries and concussions, making his impact on the sport and society equally significant.

The Value in Dan Fouts: A Deep Draft Pick

Another prominent name in the Chargers' draft history is that of Dan Fouts, who was a third-round pick in 1973. Despite being drafted much later than many consider ideal, Fouts has become a legend in the NFL. He was so valuable to the Chargers that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fouts' journey from being the 32nd overall pick in the 1973 draft to becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is a testament to the value of a smart draft pick. His 16-year career and numerous accolades solidify his place among the best Chargers draft picks of all time.

Billy Kilmer: An AFL Legend with an NFL Career

A more complicated case is Billy Kilmer, a former quarterback who was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers (then still operating as the Los Angeles Chargers) in the 1961 draft. Kilmer was selected 11th overall by the Chargers in the AFL, but he ultimately chose to play in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers. Kilmer's career spanned 17 seasons, which might seem significant, but he missed a total of two full seasons due to a car accident in 1963 and a subsequent injury in 1965. However, Kilmer's career contributions, including over 20,000 passing yards and 152 touchdowns, make him a noteworthy mention in the annals of Chargers draft picks, even if he never played for the team that drafted him.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Chargers Draft Picks

The Los Angeles Chargers have a rich history of successful draft picks, each contributing to the team's success in their unique ways. From current stars like Justin Herbert to legends like Junior Seau and Dan Fouts, the Chargers have consistently identified talented players, many of whom have gone on to become key figures in the league. Each of these players has added their own flavor to the Chargers' legacy, and their stories continue to inspire and inform the team's future strategies in the NFL Draft.