Tag Archives: San Diego Chargers

Watt, Derek

sage16_dwattCard: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

Derek Watt is the younger brother of Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt, and while he followed in his older brother’s footsteps to Wisconsin, Derek elected to play fullback for the Badgers. With the versatility to play fullback or H-Back, Derek makes the case as a role player in a multiple RB set. Derek seals blocks well and picks up pass protection with ease. He has also displayed decent hands out of the backfield with 30 receptions for 309 yards and a 1 over his 4 years at Madison.  Watt also is a guy not afraid to cut his teeth on special teams as he had 17 total tackles for the Badgers.  One of the higher rated fullbacks, Watt will get a late round flyer or be a priority free agent for a team needing a fullback in 2016.

Derek heard his name called in the 6th round by the San Diego Chargers where he is expected to rejoin backfield mate Mevin Gordon from Wisconsin as his blocking back.

Tuerk, Max (1994-2020)

Card: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

Max Tuerk played for the USC Trojans where he displayed versatility prized at the NFL level, by playing efficiently at every position on the offensive line.  He’s displayed great footwork and plays smart football.  Max has got the height and the long arms, but not the size, and will have to bulk up to hold his own at center against nosetackles in the NFL.  While initially presented as a center in a relatively talented class at that position- some clubs have projected Tuerk as a guard or even a tackle. His draft stock would be even higher, but a torn ACL suffered in October of 2015 diminished his draft stock significantly.

Tuerk had a 3rd round grade slapped on him for the 2016 draft and did not disappoint. The Chargers selected him with their 3rd round pick where he could see action at either guard or center.

UPDATE 6/21/20- The Arizona Cardinals signed Tuerk off of the Chargers’ practice squad in November of 2017 and then he was released in 2018. Max passed away at the age of 26 yesterday. No cause of death was given.

Henry, Hunter

sage16_hhenryCards: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

Hunter Henry is the highest regarded TE in the 2016 draft. Playing collegiality for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Henry has reliable hands, and is considered a fine receiver, but is not the most polished blocker. He has drawn comparisons to Cowboys TE Jason Witten by NFL pundits and many are intrigued by his talent.  He goes as early as mid 1st round to the Falcons to late second round with the Texans. Ranked roughly among the top 50 of prospects, I’d love to see the Texans take Henry with their second pick of the NFL draft.

Hunter did not last on the draft board until the Texans selection. The Chargers took him early on in round 2 and will groom him to be the heir apparent to All-Pro Antonio Gates.