DJ Fluker, 2017
DJ Fluker came into the NFL with massive expectations when he was drafted 11th overall by the San Diego Chargers. The former Alabama offensive tackle was one of the most decorated players in the draft – a three time National Champion (2010; 2012; 2013) and member of the first-team all SEC and All-American in 2012.
Fluker was thought to be the protector of Chargers’ quarterback, Philip Rivers, for years to come. Unfortunately, he never reached those lofty expectations in his years in San Diego – he was released after the 2016 season.
Fluker signed with the Giants in 2017 – looking to prove he could be a real asset in the NFL. While the team didn’t meet their expectations that season, the former Charger was one of the team’s lone bright spots.
While the team’s offensive line as a whole was putrid, Fluker still shined. Although he ended up only playing in nine games, he did enough that the Giants had interest in bringing him back the next year.
There isn’t much to celebrate about the team’s 2017 season, but it helped Fluker revive his career – he would end up signing with the Seattle Seahawks that offseason. Currently, he resides in Baltimore – opening up running lanes for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ rushing attack.