Let’s take a look at the players the Bolts should be targeting with their first five picks to give the team that much-needed jolt after a 4-12 season. Also, don’t forget to check out our mock drafts for the two teams above the Chargers: the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns.
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2016 NFL Draft Central: San Diego Chargers
Round 1: Pick #3 (3rd overall) – DE DeForest Buckner – Oregon
NEEDS at DE: The Chargers still have a hole to fill at defensive end with the departure of Kendall Reyes, and Buckner would fit that need like a glove. The Oregon product played as a 3-4 end in college—the same base defense the Chargers play—but he is also quite versatile. The Chargers need any sort of help in the pass rush, and Buckner can provide that in the interior.
STRENGTHS: Buckner is arguably the most complete interior lineman in this year’s draft, and excels against both the run and the pass. While he isn’t the most explosive pass rusher, he was still incredibly productive in college. He had 12 sacks with 67 quarterback pressures in 2015, the most in his position.
Round 2: Pick #4 (35th overall) – C Ryan Kelly – Alabama
NEEDS at C: The Chargers were one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL last season. Running back Melvin Gordon was a disappointment considering he was a first-round pick, but he wasn’t helped by a poor offensive line. The Chargers could use an upgrade at center, with Chris Watt unable to stay on the field.
STRENGTHS: The Alabama product Kelly is arguably the best center prospect in this year’s draft. He was instrumental in the Crimson Tide’s run-oriented attack last year. He’s an outstanding run blocker, but is also very skilled in pass protection. He didn’t allow a single sack over his two seasons as a starter.
Round 3: Pick #3 (66th overall) – S Kevin Byard – Midd Tenn St.
NEEDS at S: The Chargers are in good shape at cornerback with the addition of Casey Hayward alongside Pro Bowlers Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers. But they still have a gaping hole at the backend of their secondary with the departure of All-Pro safety Eric Weddle.
STRENGTHS: Middle Tennessee State’s Kevin Byard has a nose for the ball, which is just what you’d want from a free safety. He recorded 19 interceptions as a four-year starter for the Blue Raiders, and figures to be a potential playmaker in the secondary.
Round 4: Pick #4 (102nd overall) – TE Tyler Higbee – WKU
NEEDS at TE: With Antonio Gates on his last legs and Ladarius Green going to Pittsburgh, the Chargers’ depth at tight end needs replenishing. Another pass-catching weapon for Philip Rivers would also be a welcome addition.
STRENGTHS: Who better to replace Green than his virtual clone? Higbee has that same combination of height (6-6), uncanny athleticism and innate receiving ability that made the Chargers take a chance on Green back in 2012. He’s no short-term fix, but his long-term upside is too good to pass up.
Round 5: Pick #38 (175th overall) – QB Cody Kessler – USC
NEEDS at QB: With 34-year-old Philip Rivers getting up in age and no-upside backups Kellen Clemens and Brad Sorensen in reserve, the Chargers could do with drafting another QB who can learn and develop for a few years behind Rivers.
STRENGTHS: The California-born Cody Kessler should feel right at home in San Diego, where his skill set as a traditional pocket passer will be a good fit in the Chargers’ system. Kessler was one of the more efficient QBs in college during his three years as a starter, and threw just 19 interceptions during that span.
The Chargers have eight picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
- Round One – #3 overall
- Round Two – #35 overall
- Round Three – #66 Overall
- Round Four – #102 overall
- Round Five – #175 overall
- Round Six – #179 overall
- Round Six #198 overall
- Round Seven – #224 overall
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