The San Diego Chargers hope for improvement in 2012 and beyond from their 2011 rookie class.  Here is a look at how well the 2011 rookie class did in their first taste of NFL action:

21-year old DE Corey Liuget was the Chargers’ first round pick last April.  He played in 15 games for the Chargers last year and he had 19 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 2 passes defensed.  He will likely be a starter for the Chargers in the near future.

23-year old CB Marcus Gilchrist was a 2nd round pick for the Chargers last April.  He played in 14 games for the Chargers last year and he had 34 tackles, 2 interceptions and 4 passes defensed.  Like Liuget, Gilchrist will likely be a starter in the near future for the Chargers.

23-year old LB James Mouton was picked in the 2nd round last April.  He missed his whole rookie season due to a shoulder injury.

22-year old WR Vincent Brown was a 3rd round pick last April.  He played in 14 games for the Chargers and he caught 19 passes for 329 yards (17.3 avg) with 2 TD grabs.  Brown has a nice upside and his role should increase in 2012 and beyond.

24-year old CB Shareece Wright was also a 3rd round pick for the Chargers.  He played in 7 games and he had 4 tackles.

21-year old Jordan Todman was a sixth round pick for the Chargers.  He was cut early in the season and he was picked up by the Vikings, but, he didn’t get into any games for them.

23-year old OG Steve Schilling was a sixth round pick for the Chargers.  He played in 9 games (2 starts) as a rookie last year.  Schilling showed enough to get a chance for more P.T. in 2012.

23-year old LB Andrew Gachkar was picked in the 7th round for the Chargers.  He played in all 16 games and he had 15 tackles.  Look for Gachkar to get more P.T. as his career goes on.

GRADE FOR 2011:  C-

GRADE FOR THE FUTURE:  B