Things couldn’t have gone much better for Larry English Saturday afternoon.

Just a few hours after he spoke to the media at NIU’s final spring practice, the San Diego Chargers surprised everyone by taking the former NIU defensive end with the sixteenth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Before the draft, I figured English would probably go in the second round, and the highest he could go would be to New England at No. 23.

When the Chargers were on the clock at No. 16, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped to the podium and announced the selection of English, I couldn’t believe it.

While NIU has had its share of successful NFL players – Michael Turner, Justin McCareins and Ryan Diem to name a few – no Huskie had ever been picked in the first round. Who knows if we’ll ever see an NIU player picked in the first round again.

English couldn’t have been placed in a better situation. The Chargers run a 3-4 defense where English will play outside linebacker, which is where I think he fits best.

He also goes to a team that is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Bolts have been to the divisional playoffs the past two seasons. San Diego has a franchise quarterback in Philip Rivers, who I thought should have been NFL MVP last season, and a talented offensive core that includes running backs LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, as well as tight end Antonio Gates.

San Diego’s defense struggled at the beginning of last season, but gave up an average of more than seven points less per game once former Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera took over the same spot in San Diego. The Chargers struggled to rush the passer last season with outside linebacker Shawne “lights out” Merriman missing the final 15 games of the year due to knee surgery, finishing No. 22 in the NFL in sacks as a team.

English will fit into a scheme that includes Merriman and Shaun Phillips on the outside. Nose tackle Jamal Williams leads a talented defensive line, with Luis Castillo anchoring one of the ends.

San Diego’s defense is talented, and should improve with Rivera in place for a full season, along with a healthy Merriman and the addition of English.

All in all, things worked out pretty well for English on Saturday. He goes to one of the more talented teams in the league where he will play the position he fits best at.

Oh yeah, San Diego isn’t a bad place to live either.