Chargers sign draft picks Butler and Thomas

Source: Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP)—The San Diego Chargers have agreed to four-year contracts with third-round draft pick Donald Butler and fifth-rounder Cam Thomas.

The only unsigned draft pick heading into training camp is running back Ryan Mathews, the 12th selection overall.

Butler is an inside linebacker from Washington. Thomas is a defensive tackle from North Carolina who could eventually replace Jamal Williams, a 12-year veteran who was released and signed with the division rival Denver Broncos.

Chargers move up in 3rd round to take Butler

SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Chargers have traded up in the third round of the NFL draft to take Washington inside linebacker Donald Butler with the 79th pick overall.

The pick is somewhat surprising, considering that the Chargers had a bigger need for a defensive tackle.

Butler was a two-year starter for the Huskies. He’s likely the replacement for Tim Dobbins, who was sent to Miami on Thursday as part of the deal that allowed the Chargers to move up 16 spots in the first round to take Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews with the 12th overall pick.