The Chargers started Day 3 of the NFL draft by giving quarterback Justin Hebert another weapon from Texas Christian, which became a recurring theme.
Two days after taking wide receiver Quentin Johnston in the first round, the Chargers used the 23rd pick of the fourth round to select fellow Horned Frog receiver Derius Davis on Saturday.
“I went to Quentin’s party … I saw him get drafted,” Davis said on a media call. “We’ve been friends for quite a while, since we got to TCU. To have that relationship with him and being able to keep on playing with him, it is truly a blessing. I’m speechless right now.”
While he was second on the team to Johnston with a career-best 42 receptions for 531 yards this past season, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound Davis showed his value on special teams.
Davis won the Jet Award as the nation’s top return specialist, averaging 20.43 yards per kick returns and 14.89 yards per punt return, and was one of just five players with two punt returns for touchdowns.
“My game, as a returner, I always tell people that I’m explosive. Me personally, I feel like I get the party started,” Davis said. “At TCU, there were times where we didn’t have any points on the board and I was the first one to score during my return, so I feel like I’m a party starter. Hopefully, I can do that for the Chargers. I know I will do it for the Chargers. I’m just blessed to be a Charger. It’s just a blessing.”
The speedster, who ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL draft combine, came up with five receptions for a season-best 101 yards in the 65-7 CFP national championship game loss to Georgia on Jan. 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium.
Davis finished the season with eight touchdowns – five receiving, two on punt returns and one rushing.
In other Day 3 picks:
Fifth round
The Chargers took Clemson offensive lineman Jordan McFadden with the 22nd pick in the round. The 6-foot-2, 303-pounder was a three-year starter and team captain for the Tigers. Though the two-time All-ACC player lined up at both tackle spots, McFadden could see more time as a guard for the Chargers.
Sixth round
With the 23rd pick in the round, the Chargers opted for Boise State defensive tackle Scott Matlock. The 6-4, 308-pounder was an All-Mountain West second-team pick and started every game the past two seasons.
Seventh round
The Charger completed their draft like they started it – drafting a TCU star as they chose quarterback Max Duggan with the 239th overall pick and the 22nd pick of the round. Speedy and scrappy – he ran a 4.52-second 40 at the combine – Duggan led the Horned Frogs to the CFP title game. The Heisman Trophy runner-up, who threw for 3,698 yards and 32 TDs against only eight interceptions, could battle for the backup job.
2023 Chargers draft
1 (22) – WR Quentin, Johnston, TCU
2 (23) – OLB Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
3 (22) – ILB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
4 (23) – WR Derius Davis, TCU
5 (22) – OG Jordan McFadden, Clemson
6 (23) – DT Scott Matlock, Boise State
7 (22) – QB Max Duggan, TCU
