San Diego Chargers Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions

It’s that time of year again in the NFL.

The 2012 NFL Draft begins Thursday night, with NFL fans everywhere anxious to see which prospects their team picks.

For the Chargers, the emphasis is expected to be on defense, and finding a pass-rusher will surely be a priority.

The team doesn’t have many needs on offense, but could do with bringing in a running back to backup Ryan Mathews.

Just who will the Chargers draft? Let’s find out.

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Round 1: Pick 18

Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

If Courtney Upshaw is available when the Chargers are on the clock at 18, I just can’t see the team passing on him. Upshaw is one of the top pass-rushers in this year’s draft, and would be perfectly suited to play as an outside linebacker in the Chargers 3-4 defense.

Upshaw shows great agility in his reactions and often overpowers blockers the the line of scrimmage. He sometimes struggles when pursuing speedy ball carriers across the field and shouldn’t spend much time in coverage in the NFL.

With Phillips and Johnson tasked with stopping the run, Upshaw could be used with Antwan Barnes as a third-down pass-rusher.

Role on the team: Upshaw will play often in the linebacker rotation and make a solid contribution to the defense.

Round 2: Pick 49

Harrison Smith, Safety, Notre Dame

After Steve Gregory left in free agency to sign with the New England Patriots, the Chargers added safety Atari Bigby as his replacement. The problem with Bigby is his age, along with the fact that he has been injury-prone in the past.

Harrison Smith is the second-best safety in the draft behind Mark Barron, and would be a great player to pair with Eric Weddle at safety. A four-year starter at Notre Dame, Smith is a Troy Polamalu-type player who is equally impressive in stopping the run as he is in coverage.

He is projected to be an early second-round pick, so the Chargers may be taking a risk if they wait until No. 49 to take him.

Role on the team: Smith will compete with Atari Bigby to start at strong safety.

Round 3: Pick 78

LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon

Just like Smith, the Chargers may be forced to move up if they want to select James. James is a dynamic runner who possesses explosive speed and is also a weapon is the passing-game.

The Chargers are still looking to bring in a running back to back up starter Ryan Mathews, with Tolbert gone to the Carolina Panthers, and newly signed Le’Ron McClain expected to be used more as a fullback. James could be used a dual threat similar to the way that the team used Darren Sproles.

He is projected to be a late second-round to early third-round pick, and would be a great weapon to add to the offense.

Role on the team: James will be used as a change-of-pace back, and will see plenty of playing time on passing downs.

Round 4: Pick 110

Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Boise State

Potter has been a solid player for Boise State throughout his entire career whilst protecting Kellen Moore’s blind side.  Chargers’ current right tackle Jeromey Clary is average at best and the team may look to bring him in to compete for the starting role.

Potter has drawn many comparisons to New England Patriots first-round pick Nate Solder as both are tall and talented but sometimes lacking in technique. He excels as a run-blocker and will almost definitely make the switch to right tackle in the NFL.

If Potter is still available in Round 4, he could turn out to be a steal for the Chargers.

Role on the team: Potter will compete with Jeromey Clary to start at right tackle.

Round 5: Pick 149

Pick 149- Vontaze Burfict, Middle Linebacker, Arizona State

Once considered to be a potential top-10 pick, Burfict has now fallen out of contention to be picked in the first round altogether. He has drawn several red flags from teams who see his attitude problem as too big of a risk, and he even managed to land on my list of the most overrated prospects in the draft.

He is considered to be a lazy player who has an attitude problem, and sometimes looks slow on tape. However, despite all these issues, he is still a talented player.

If he is falls all the way to the fifth round, it may be worth taking a risk on Burfict to add to the middle linebacking pair of Takeo Spikes and Donald Butler.

Role on the team: Burfict will be the primary backup to starters Takeo Spikes and Donald Butler.

Round 6: Pick 183

Cliff Harris, Cornerback, Oregon

The Chargers could use another cornerback to add some depth to the secondary, and Cliff Harris gets my vote. Like Burfict, Harris is a talented, but troubled player who will be picked in the latter rounds due to his off the field issues.

Harris had a fantastic 2010 and finished the year with five interceptions and four punt return touchdowns. He followed that up with a disappointing 2011 season and played in just six games following a series of run-ins with police.

Harris would join emerging players Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright in the Chargers' secondary.

Role on the team: Harris will push for playing time in the secondary and will also be used on special teams.

Round 7: Pick 226

Antoine McClain, Guard, Clemson

McClain has been a solid contributor to the Clemson offensive line and started the last few seasons at left guard. As most Charger fans know, the team lost its veteran guard Kris Dielman after he was forced to retire due to injury.

McClain didn’t have the best combine and scouts were left disappointed in his lack of speed (he ran a 5.4 in the 40-yard dash) and strength (19 reps in the bench press). Even with these lackluster numbers, on tape, he’s still a decent run blocker who is expected to be a seventh-round pick.

McClain would be solid player to bring in to compete at left/right guard with Tyronne Green and Louis Vasquez.

Role on the team: McClain will compete at both left/right guard, and don’t be surprised if he makes the final roster.

Round 7: Pick 250

Eddie Pleasant, Safety, Oregon

With their final pick in the draft, the Chargers will look to add some depth to the secondary. Pleasant will join fellow safety second-round pick Harrison Smith on the roster.

Pleasant was a consistent contributor during his time at Oregon. A reliable tackler, he is solid in the run game but can sometimes look vulnerable in coverage.

With the Chargers already having several safeties, Pleasant will face a battle in preseason to make the final roster.

Role on the team: Pleasant will compete with Darrell Stuckey and DeAndre McDaniel for a roster spot.

So, that's my mock draft for the San Diego Chargers. Let's hope that Norv Turner, A.J. and co. will take notes for Thursday night.

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