Chargers Draft Stock Watch: 5 Players Rising Up, Falling Down San Diego's Board

San Diego's big board had some risers and fallers with pro days taking place all this month.

Team scouts and coaches made their way across the country to attend college pro days and evaluate prospects who could be fits with the Chargers. Some prospects improved their stock while others took a step back.

Here's a handful of players that rose and fell.

Rising: OT Joel Bitonio

Cathleen Allison/Associated Press

During Nevada's pro day on Mar. 12, Joel Bitonio was worked out by San Diego's offensive line coach at left tackle and guard, as reported by Gil Brandt. Bitonio was a top performer at the combine, which included a 4.97 in the 40-yard dash, and figures to be a Day 2 prospect according to NFL.com.

The Chargers will be looking to add depth to their offensive line through the draft, and Bitonio could develop into a future starter at guard as a replacement for Jeromey Clary, who will be entering the final year of his contract.

Falling: DE Michael Sam

Michael Sam's agent may think his client is a perfect fit for the Chargers, but it would be interesting to see if he still thinks that following Missouri's pro day on March 20. Brandt attended Sam's workout and noted that he "did not look good working out as a linebacker in space" and could see him falling somewhere in the sixth and seventh rounds, maybe even to that of a priority free agent.

San Diego could very well draft a pass-rusher on Day 2 or 3, but Sam can't be that guy if he feels uncomfortable at linebacker.

Rising: DE Demarcus Lawrence

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano paid a visit to Boise State's pro day to get a close look at pass-rusher Demarcus Lawrence, according to Bryan Fischer of NFL.com. Lawrence has been creeping up draft boards as of late, and could wind up a steal in the middle rounds.

Chad Crippe of the Idaho Statesman posted a video highlighting Lawrence's pro day and reported a time of 4.65 in the 40-yard dash. Crippe also noted Lawrence figures to be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL and his workout reflected that. San Diego could stand to add a pass-rusher like Lawrence as a value pick.

Falling: DT Louis Nix III

Gil Brandt was on hand for Notre Dame's pro day on March 20 where defensive tackle Louis Nix III worked out for a large group of league representatives. According to Brandt, Nix did 24 reps on the bench press and ran the 40-yard dash in 5.36 and 5.34 seconds (he ran a 5.42 at the combine). 

Nix's positional drills were not as impressive, however, and Brandt is convinced the Notre Dame product will be a second-round pick. The Chargers have a need at defensive tackle and spoke with Nix at the combine, per Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, but it's possible the team may not be ready to commit its first-round pick on him.

Rising: OLB Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy, who has been training in San Diego, was put through drills by a Chargers scout during BYU's pro day, per Jay Drew of The Salt Lake Tribune. Van Noy told reporters he was happy to be drawing interest league-wide, but he made every San Diego fan feel a tingle of excitement when he said, " I love the Chargers and would love to be in that powder blue."

What Van Noy could bring to the Chargers is coverage ability in addition to pass-rushing. His instincts are above average as well.