San Diego Chargers Possible 1st Round Draft Selections
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego, CA- Here is a list of players that I think could be available with the Chargers 25th pick of the 1st round. I have ranked the players in order on how I would take them, if all of them were available. Obviously players like Sammy Watkins aren’t on this list because it’s highly likely players like him will be gone.
1. Zack Martin OT Notre Dame
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King Dunlap played well last season at Left Tackle, but has some injury concerns. Zack Martin is a versatile lineman who is athletic enough to play both tackle and guard. He is tough and technically sound. He has good lateral agility to stay in front of opponents. Protecting a QB like Phillip Rivers, who isn’t mobile, is a major priority. If Dunlap were healthy, Martin could start his career at guard and should be an upgrade. Martin is a top 20 player in this years draft.
2. Odell Beckham WR LSU
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I normally wouldn’t want a 2nd year guy in Keenan Allen, and a rookie starting, but I think Odell Beckham is a top 15 player in this years draft. He is a smooth athlete with very good acceleration to get up the field. Lacks ideal height, but plays much bigger than his 5-11 height. He goes up and gets the ball at its highest point. Mike McCoy and Frank Reich would get a lot out of a player like Beckham. They would know how to use him.
3. Louis Nix NT Notre Dame
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The Chargers run defense last year gave up 4.6 yards per carry. That is way too high. They haven’t had a good Nose Tackle since Jamal Williams. A player with Louis Nix ability would be a major improvement at stopping opponents from running the ball. Nix is nimble with lateral quickness to explode in any direction and chase down the action in pursuit. Nix would be your typical run stuffing 3-4 Nose Tackle who would free up linebackers. Nix would also help Reyes and Liuget. Chargers would have 3 young defensive lineman on the rise.
4. Kyle Fuller CB Virginia Tech
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The Chargers ranked 29th against the pass last year, so secondary help is needed. I think Kyle Fuller is the 2nd best corner in this draft. He is a physical corner, who has great length. He has a good vertical, and smooth hip action to flip and go. Has enough skills to move to safety if asked upon.
5. Darqueze Dennard CB Michigan State
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Darqueze Dennard grades out similar to Kyle Fuller. He is well built for the position with broad shoulders, and long arms. He has good body control to adjust to the ball in the air. Physical and reliable tackler. A very sound player.
6. Jason Verrett CB TCU
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Jason Verrett might be the best cover corner in this draft. He is fluid with smooth hips to easily turn and adjust. Has excellent ball skills. A ballhawk. Lacks ideal height but makes up with his tremendous vertical. Has enough quickness to play receivers in the slot.
7. Dee Ford OLB Auburn
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The Chargers will have a healthy Melvin Ingram back this year, but you can never have enough pass rushers. Dee Ford has a very quick first step off the ball. Accelerates smoothly and is flexible enough to bend around the corner as a pure speed rusher. Ford could come in on passing downs, while Jarrett Johnson plays on running downs.
8. Morgan Moses OT Virginia
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Morgan Moses is an excellent pass blocker. He stays wide in his base to absorb or mirror in pass protection. Makes good use of long arms, extending and punching to keep defenders off his frame.
9. Bradley Roby CB Ohio St.
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Bradley Roby is physical for his size. He has long arms and is fast. At times he looks like a top 15 player, and at other times looks like just an average player. He has all the tools, just needs to put in the work.
10. Marquise Lee WR USC
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Marquise Lee is a fluid athlete capable of changing direction quickly. Elusiveness and acceleration make him a terror after the catch. A great route runner. A good offensive coach like Mike McCoy and Frank Reich would get the best out of Lee. They would put him in situations to utilize his talent to succeed.