2015 San Diego Chargers Mock Draft: Early Offseason 7-Round Predictions
The San Diego Chargers' 2014 season is officially over, which means it's time to predict what positions the team will address and what players they will select in the 2015 NFL draft.
Each selection in this seven-round Chargers mock draft will be backed up with analysis on both the player and San Diego's current status at that player's position.
As it is only the dawn of draft season, the players listed may rise or fall, and the Chargers could satisfy position needs via free agency.
Let's begin with the Chargers selecting a lineman in Round 1—they need help on both the offensive and defensive lines, so which side will they address here?
*NOTE: The Chargers' seventh-round pick was traded to Dallas in the deal for Sean Lissemore.
Arik Armstead, 3-4 Defensive End, Oregon
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The Chargers nab a 3-4 defensive end in Oregon's Arik Armstead, who would develop alongside Corey Liuget as a strong, high-ceiling lane clogger.
San Diego needs a defensive end on the left side after years of starting Kendall Reyes with underwhelming results. The team hasn't developed anyone behind Reyes, either, meaning opponents have had the luxury of teeing off on undrafted rookies and veteran castoffs. A quality lineman would help tremendously versus the run and the pass.
Armstead (6'8", 290 lbs) is a raw talent who flashes impressive pass-rushing ability. He will rise rapidly during the offseason when physical tools grab the most headlines. Due to his height, he needs to start playing with better leverage. He displayed Round 1 ability in a statement win against Arizona.
Hroniss Grasu, Center, Oregon
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No, Chip Kelly did not become the Chargers head coach. The team desperately needs a center, and Oregon's Hroniss Grasu (6'3", 284 lbs) just so happens to fit the bill in Round 2.
The Chargers started five different centers in 2014, and the position was a constant weak point in pass protection and run-blocking. Longtime center Nick Hardwick will hit free agency and may retire. Chris Watt's future is at guard. Investing in the center position early in the draft is typically a low-risk, high-reward move.
Grasu isn't going to clear lanes like Travis Frederick in Dallas, but he is supremely agile and technically sound. If his functional strength improves, he has the makeup of a decade-long starter.
Jay Ajayi, Running Back, Boise State
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The 2015 draft is filled with standout names at the running back position, meaning the Chargers can wait a day to find their replacement for the talented-but-brittle Ryan Mathews. In this mock, Boise State running back Jay Ajayi (6'0", 216 lbs) is available in Round 3.
The 2014 Chargers had a brief period of running back competence in undrafted rookie Branden Oliver's first couple of starts. After he cooled off, the running game fell quickly. Oliver and free-agent bust Donald Brown rarely generated yardage on their own. Combined with a porous offensive line, the Chargers were one-dimensional on offense.
Ajayi had an excellent 2014 season, rushing for 1,689 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also added 45 catches for 536 yards. He is a big-play threat with terrific instincts, making the most out of whatever his offensive line gives him. That's a deadly combination along with his receiving skills. Ball security is an issue, however.
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Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke
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The Chargers' woes along the offensive line won't be fixed exclusively with Grasu. More help is needed, especially at left guard. Duke guard Laken Tomlinson (6'3", 325 lbs) would be an excellent find in Round 4.
Left guard Chad Rinehart struggled in 2014 in every phase of the game. He would be best served as a depth lineman who can start in a pinch. If Tomlinson doesn't develop quickly enough in training camp, Rinehart could play a few games until he is ready.
Tomlinson isn't overwhelmingly athletic, but he is serviceable enough in that facet, especially when factoring in his size. He creates plenty of lanes in the running game, either walling off defensive linemen or getting in the open field and erasing linebackers. He doesn't handle interior speed well.
Damian Swann, Cornerback, Georgia
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San Diego grabs Georgia cornerback Damian Swann (5'11", 180 lbs) on Day 3 to help out on defense and special teams. With both Brandon Flowers and Shareece Wright entering 2015 free agency, the Chargers will need to address the position at some point in the draft.
Even if the Chargers retain one of their free-agent corners, they still have depth problems at the position. That was readily apparent during the 2014 season, when Wright and Richard Marshall failed to step up when Flowers and Jason Verrett were injured.
Swann was a playmaker at Georgia, recording seven interceptions in the past two seasons combined. He is athletic enough to go one-on-one at the NFL level although his technique still needs work. He would be a nice depth addition who could develop into something special down the line.
Sean Mannion, Quarterback, Oregon State
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The Chargers often take a shot at quarterback on Day 3, and 2015 could continue that trend. Oregon State signal-caller Sean Mannion (6'5", 218 lbs) has a shot at becoming the next Jonathan Crompton or Brad Sorensen.
Philip Rivers battled various injuries throughout 2014, and the team could use a backup it feels confident in starting when Rivers has a bulging disc or broken ribs. Mannion could be that down the line.
Mannion had an excellent 2013 season before falling apart in 2014. His arm is average, but he has nice size and started for four years at Oregon State, a program that runs a pro-style offense. His decision-making is shaky when pressured.
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