The Chargers signed Courtney VanBuren, an offensive tackle from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, today. He becomes just the second draft pick to sign on the dotted line and will be in training camp on time when it begins July 22nd in Carson.
Van Buren was chosen in the third round with the 80th pick overall and the only offensive tackle chosen by the Chargers in the draft. Van Buren is an unbelievably athletic lineman, especially for his 6-5, 365-pound size.
Van Buren was a three-year starter at Arkansas-Pine Bluff who earned second-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors as a senior.
Rich Moran, the agent for Van Buren, said to us yesterday, "Hopefully we can get something done in the next 24 hours.”
He was right on target with his estimation as the deal has been inked.
Chargers Update Scouting Report
Chargers Update had Van Buren tabbed as a fifth round pick.
Van Buren started for three seasons over at Arkansas-Pine Bluff where he played right tackle. He possesses the versatility to play both tackle spots and is currently slotted second on the depth charts at left tackle. During his senior campaign he gave up just two sacks on a vastly inexperienced squad.
The two-time All-SWAC selection has gone from being a physically gifted athlete to a solid all-around blocker with impressive footwork for someone of his stature. Van Buren moves like players who are 50 pounds lighter than him, is light on his feet, has very strong upper-body and has the ideal measurables to be a fine right tackle in the NFL. In fact, for a 360-pound lineman he can dunk and do a complete split and was shagging punts at an OTA session in San Diego.
Van Buren needs to get some exposure against better competition as he played at a smaller school. Being a converted defensive tackle, he needs to polish his skills along the line, work on technique, and increase his leg strength. His weight is an issue that will need monitoring. A trimmed down Van Buren would help him overcome getting tired during the long NFL season.
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