San Diego Chargers Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions, Post Combine
The past four days saw more than 300 prospects compete for the attention of team representatives at the scouting combine, and with the draft now a little over two months away, the San Diego Chargers have more info than ever to make final player evaluations.
Pro days still remain as one of the last stages of the evaluation process, but for the most part, teams have already begun narrowing down their lists after what went down in Indianapolis. The collection of on-field workouts, interviews, measurements and medical evaluations that took place will be picked apart by scouts, coaches and general managers in the coming weeks.
In the case of the Chargers, Friday was especially productive as the team observed offensive linemen, one of their top needs this offseason, while taking care of one of their own in free agency. Left tackle King Dunlap is coming back on a four-year, $28 million deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The move solidifies a once problematic position for San Diego and guarantees that quarterback Philip Rivers will have top-notch protection on his blind side—Dunlap allowed just three sacks on 625 dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
Taking all that in mind, here's a six-round mock draft for the Chargers (no seventh-rounder this year).
** combine results courtesy of NFL.com **
Round 1: OT La'el Collins, LSU
1 of 6
With Dunlap signed and D.J. Fluker likely staying put at right tackle, the Chargers can focus on the interior of their O-line. All signs point to Chris Watt taking over at center after starting five games there as a rookie in 2014, so we'll go ahead and assume that guard prospects move to the front of the line.
Chad Rinehart had a setback year in terms of performance despite starting all 16 games at left guard, and Johnnie Troutman had similar struggles while starting 15 games on the right side. Neither was shown any love by Pro Football Focus in their yearly rankings, and both are wrapping up their respective deals after 2015.
La'el Collins was reportedly approached by 22 teams at the combine, including the Chargers. If he's still there at 17, he'd make offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris a very happy man. At the combine, scouts debated as to whether Collins is a tackle or guard at the next level, but having played both at LSU, he'd offer versatility at either spot.
Round 2: RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State
2 of 6
According to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole, the San Francisco 49ers plan on targeting Chargers running back Ryan Mathews in free agency if they can't get a deal done with veteran Frank Gore. At the same time, GM Tom Telesco told reporters he planned to meet with Mathews' agent during the combine on possibly re-signing the 27-year old.
Mathews' career has been put on hold a number of times due to injuries. But when healthy, he's proven himself a capable rusher in the NFL, producing two 1,000-yard seasons in the past five years. Mathews is coming off his worst season yet, though, having played only six games because of knee and ankle injuries.
If Mathews and the Chargers can't work something out, Telesco will be forced to find his replacement in the draft, which is deep at the running back position this year. As tempting as it is to go after a Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley in the first round, it's still possible to find value on Day 2.
Boise State's Jay Ajayi complements a physical running style with good hands, as shown by his 50 receptions and 535 receiving yards last season. He scored 28 touchdowns on the ground and averaged just over 130 yards rushing for the Broncos.
One AFC scout told NFL.com, "Of all the backs in this draft, Ajayi might be my favorite because he can do everything you want from a back and you don't have to find a complementary back to pick up the slack for him in any one area."
In Indy, Ajayi clocked in at 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash and was a top performer in the vertical jump (39 inches), broad jump (121 inches), 20-yard shuttle (4.10 seconds) and 60-yard shuttle (11.10 seconds).
Round 3: CB Byron Jones, Connecticut
3 of 6
A representative for free agent Brandon Flowers reportedly met with the Chargers on Saturday to discuss bringing back the veteran corner, according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Flowers' arrival last season triggered a complete turnaround in the secondary, which held opponents to the fourth-fewest passing yards (3,427) in the NFL.
The brief, but promising, debut of first-rounder Jason Verrett should bode well for the Chargers down the road, but if Flowers isn't there in 2015, the defense will have a difficult time slowing down passing attacks next season. In the scenario that he doesn't come back, however, San Diego will need to be ready with another option.
Byron Jones out of Connecticut is a high-character prospect with good size (6'1", 199 lbs) and some intriguing versatility. His story is a familiar one too, having suffered a labrum tear his senior season like Verrett. Jones eventually had to shut it down after seven games, but he plans to participate in the combine on Monday.
Asked about where he'd play, Jones told reporters (h/t Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com):
"I think I can help out a lot -- special teams, corner, I can do a little bit of safety if they need me to. I can (cover) on the inside. In the safety position in (former UConn defensive coordinator) Don Brown's defense, I'd come down on the No. 2, the slot receiver, a lot. So I can play that nickel position, as well.
"
There's an obvious risk regarding the shoulder injury, as witnessed with Verrett last season, but if Brown can overcome the minor setback, he could prove to be a valuable pickup. How he tests at the combine will play a big role in deciding his draft stock, though. Stay tuned.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Round 4: WR Tre McBride, William & Mary
4 of 6
Small-school standout Tre McBride may not even get past this point, according to Dane Brugler of CBS. In his eyes, McBride has the tape to land in the top 100. William & Mary hasn't had a wide receiver drafted since 1973, a streak that will likely fall with McBride.
In watching a little bit of his performance against Richmond (courtesy of Draft Breakdown), McBride is so smooth no matter if he's in the slot or working outside, and he makes catching the ball look effortless even in traffic. On top of that, he makes an effort to clear the way on running plays.
If the Chargers can't keep Eddie Royal, they'll need to look for another slot receiver with return skills. And despite a supercharged comeback year from injury, Malcom Floyd is getting older. San Diego needs to replenish the receiving corps and build around stud Keenan Allen.
Round 5: DT Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa
5 of 6
A combine snub according to Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN and CBS' Brugler, Xavier Williams will have to settle for impressing teams at his pro day. The 6'2", 309-pound former high school wrestler was a three-year starter at defensive tackle for Northern Iowa. His best season came in 2014 when he racked up 93 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
Having played against lesser competition in the FCS, Williams won't get the same respect as the rest of the field, but what you see on tape is more important than the school he played for. Williams commands a lot of double-teams at the line of scrimmage and understands the concept of good leverage.
The Chargers need to supply Corey Liuget with help on the defensive line, as he was often taken out of plays by more than one blocker. Kendall Reyes and Sean Lissemore were unable to capitalize on Liuget's misfortune, and poor tackling led to a lot of big runs for opposing teams. Williams primarily played nose tackle for Northern Iowa but could work into a rotation at end.
Round 6: OLB Tony Washington, Oregon
6 of 6
San Diego's final pick should end up going toward an aging position. Tight end comes to mind with Antonio Gates continuing to push on well into his 30s. Quarterback could also be an option considering the numerous injuries that plagued Rivers last season. Pass-rusher, though, is where the Chargers need the most help.
Aging veterans Jarret Johnson and Dwight Freeney may or may not be back next season, leaving Melvin Ingram to shoulder the load along with second-rounder Jeremiah Attaochu. Ingram had flashes of dominance in 2014, but his last two seasons have been riddled with injuries. If disaster strikes again, the Chargers will be severely short-handed on defense.
Oregon's Tony Washington didn't show a lot of strength with just 17 reps on the bench press but countered with a time of 4.99 in the 40-yard dash. With 13.5 sacks his last two years with the Ducks, Washington showed improvement that could carry into a pro career with the right coaching. New linebackers coach Mike Nolan could be that spark for Washington.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
