NFL Tickets
It’s quite possible that the big trade at the top of the 2016 NFL Draft benefited no team quite as much as the San Diego Chargers. The Bolts figure to have their choice of the top position players in the draft with quarterbacks projected to go Nos. 1 and 2, so here’s a look at the ideal path for San Diego in a seven-round mock draft.
Round 1 (No. 3 Overall) --- Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 1 (No. 3 Overall) --- Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Though Laremy Tunsil will tempt them at this spot, the Chargers would be better served by bolstering the only group that struggled more than their O-line in 2015–the defense. Jalen Ramsey will be a decade-plus fixture in the secondary.
Round 2 (No. 35 Overall) --- A’Shawn Robinson, 3-4 DE, Alabama
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 2 (No. 35 Overall) --- A’Shawn Robinson, 3-4 DE, Alabama
As the draft process has gone on, A’Shawn Robinson has inexplicably fallen to fringe first-round status. The Chargers should pounce on this value and land the perfect replacement for Kendall Reyes on the defensive front.
Round 3 (No. 66 Overall) --- Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 3 (No. 66 Overall) --- Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech
As technically sound as any lineman in this class, Le’Raven Clark could immediately start at right tackle and move over to the left side once King Dunlap moves on. He’s got the ideal physique and would present tremendous value if still on the board at this point.
Round 4 (No. 102 Overall) --- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 4 (No. 102 Overall) --- Darian Thompson, S, Boise State
This may seem like a double-up pick with Jalen Ramsey at No. 3 overall, but he’s versatile enough to play anywhere in the secondary and succeed. Darian Thompson would bring a great work ethic and high character the Bolts covet, while his fast, pedal-to-the-metal mentality on the field would be welcomed on defense.
Round 5 (No. 175 Overall) --- Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 5 (No. 175 Overall) --- Temarrick Hemingway, TE, South Carolina State
Hopefully history repeats with this pick, as the Chargers once took a small-school prospect late in the draft and turned him into a valuable contributor with Ladarius Green. At 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, Temarrick Hemingway has familiar qualities and could develop into similar player.
Round 6 (No. 179 Overall) --- Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 6 (No. 179 Overall) --- Tajae Sharpe, WR, UMass
My pro comparison watching tape of Tajae Sharpe was Keenan Allen, so pairing the two up in San Diego would be ridiculous for the Bolts. Both guys are 6-foot-2 and both like to go into the tough areas over the middle to help move the chains. This would be a terrific addition to Philip Rivers’ arsenal.
Round 6 (No. 198 Overall) --- Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 6 (No. 198 Overall) --- Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State
Speaking of Rivers, he couldn’t object to mentoring a fellow NC State alum in Jacoby Brissett as a developmental QB for the future. At 6-foot-4, 231 pounds, with terrific leadership and a super strong arm, something tells me this Wolfpack member would develop quickly under Rivers’ tutelage.
Round 7 (No. 224 Overall) --- Jared Norris, LB, Utah
Credit: Getty ImagesRound 7 (No. 224 Overall) --- Jared Norris, LB, Utah
Adding depth at a thin position on the depth chart is never a bad move late in the draft. After releasing Donald Butler, the Chargers could use another body at inside linebacker, and Jared Norris brings ideal size and positional instincts to make the roster as a 3-4 WILL.
Share 
