Chargers Supplement Secondary

In the fourth round of 2007 NFL Supplemental Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected cornerback Paul Oliver, out of Georgia. The talented junior had planned to return to the University of Georgia for his senior season, but applied for the supplemental draft when he was declared academically ineligible.

Had he declared for the regular 2007 draft, projections had Oliver going in the second or third rounds. However, a lackluster Pro Day may have scared teams away, allowing the Chargers to select him in the fourth. Oliver's forty time was somewhat slow for a cornerback. He was clocked in the 4.5-4.58 range (according to Scout.com) and his vertical was somewhat average at 33.5 inches. Also, scouts measured his 'official' height at 5'10 & 5/8"s, much shorter than the 6'0" listed. Though his pro workouts were somewhat disappointing, most scouts felt that it was the six month layoff that hurt his performance. Most scouts remained impressed with Oliver's instincts and cover abilities, describing the former Bulldog as a player who plays better (and faster) than he works out.

It had been reported that in the past, Oliver's 40-times had been clocked in the low 4.4s (a grade that could have made him a first day choice). Oliver also felt that the poor showing was due to limited time and a lack of proper preparation. He also stated that it was somewhat difficult to be a 'one-man show' - alluding to the fact that he was the only player working out for more than two dozen NFL scouts.

Last season, Oliver was the fifth leading tackler for the Bulldogs, with 57. He also had 3 interceptions and 12 passed defensed. However, Oliver's draft stock jumped toward the end of last season. He made his name last fall with shutdown performances against Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson (two catches for 13 yards), the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 draft; and South Carolina’s Sydney Rice (three catches for 31 yards), the Vikings pick at No. 44 overall.

Oliver's fourth round selection in the 2007 Supplemental Draft will cost the Chargers their corresponding 2008 (fourth round) selection. Despite the poor numbers, the feeling is that Chargers got excellent value for that fourth round pick. Most of the scouts agreed that if Oliver had returned to Georgia and had a solid senior season, he would have been rated among the top cornerbacks in the 2008 draft (first or second round).