Chargers Choose Antoine Cason in Round One

The Chargers spent their first-round pick on a cornerback...again. This year's selection was Antoine Cason, a proven cornerback who started every game of his four-year career at Arizona. Cason intercepted 15 passes for the Wildcats and will be the wildcard between Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer.

The Chargers found themselves in a tough spot in the bottom of round one. The Dallas Cowboys traded up to No. 25 and snatched CB Mike Jenkins out from under A.J. Smith's nose. Smith's options were slim in terms of offensive line prospects, as well, as Gosder Cherilus and Sam Baker both went earlier than expected.

San Diego decided the go with the best player at a position of need, choosing Antoine Cason over Virginia Tech's Brandon Flowers.

It would appear that character issues played a major role in the selection. Cason is a stand-up individual, staying active in the community and starting the "Cason Cares" program to help battle cancer. Flowers, on the other hand, is seen as a character risk due to some compromising pictures that were revealed on his Facebook page.

Cason will now compete with Brandon Flowers, a pick from last year's supplemental draft, for the nickel back role. Oliver failed to escape the inactive list last season and -- as today's pick confirms -- has yet to win the confidence of Chargers coaches.

Inactivity is not a problem for Cason, who started every game over the last four seasons. During that time, he totaled 253 tackles, 32 pass breakups and 15 interceptions.

"I take a lot of pride in that," said Cason of his starting streak. "I feel very confident in myself in making plays consistntly for four years."

Cason (6'0", 191 pounds) has better size than most corners in this year's draft, a must for any defensive back in San Diego. He has long arms and a good vertical, which allows him to match up well with largers receivers such as Brandon Marshall, Dwayne Bowe and Javon Walker.