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NFL Mock Draft: Chargers take a tackle No. 1 to protect Philip Rivers
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
November 23, 2015 12:55 am ET
The last time the Chargers drafted in the top-10 was 2004 when the San Diego franchise acquired Philip Rivers. Almost a dozen years later, Rivers has a new contract and the Chargers front office needs to invest in assets to protect him as the organization makes a run for the Super Bowl the next few years.
Team needs will change, the draft order won't end up this way and the prospects below will help and hurt themselves throughout the 2015 season. But if the draft was held tomorrow, here's how it might play out:
1. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The Chargers have mixed and matched along the offensive line all season and shouldn't pass on a talent like Tunsil with this top pick. He has the athleticism and upside to be a long-term starter at left tackle.
2. Tennessee Titans: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
On the surface, pass rusher isn't high on the list of needs for the Titans, but Bosa's talent might be too much for Tennessee to pass. The Buckeyes' pass rusher can play with his hand on the ground or standing up and is the type of player you draft and alter your scheme to best fit what he can do.
3. Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The Browns are desperate to find the right answer at quarterback and will be doing their homework on all the passers in the 2016 class. Lynch has the size, athleticism and arm talent that translates well to the pro game and he continues to get better with added experience.
4. Baltimore Ravens: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Baltimore cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb are locked into long-term contracts, but both have struggled to stay healthy and the Ravens can't pass up a talent like Ramsey if he's still available here.
5. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff, QB, California
The 49ers and Colin Kaepernick are in the midst of a messy divorce and the franchise will be searching for his replacement. A San Francisco native, Goff still needs work, but his traits are extremely promising.
6. Dallas Cowboys: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys defense needs help at each level, including at linebacker, especially with the futures of Rolando McClain (free agent) and Sean Lee (injuries) in doubt. Although currently sidelined with a knee injury, Jack has top-10 talent if his rehab is on track.
7. Detroit Lions: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
With a new front office, the Lions will be a wildcard in the first round, especially if Detroit makes a splash with one of the high-priced contracts (Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, etc.) on the current roster. Stanley would be a plug-and-play option at right tackle and the possible long-term answer on the left side.
8. Miami Dolphins: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Miami needs to add athleticism at linebacker and Smith has plenty of speed. He isn't a power player, but has the range, instincts and competitiveness to start from day one.
9. Oakland Raiders: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
Oakland needs help at each level of the defense, but forcing offenses to block a defensive line with Khalil Mack and Nkemdiche is why this pick makes sense.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Eagles have impact players on the defensive line with Bennie Logan and Fletcher Cox, but Cedric Thornton and Brandon Bair have battled injuries and defensive line depth isn't a team strength. Robinson fits Kelly's mold for “bigger, faster, stronger” players on defense.
11. St. Louis Rams: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
With starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson in the final year of rookie contracts, the Rams might be looking for a corner or two in the 2016 draft. Hargreaves doesn't have ideal size, but the ball awareness and toughness help compensate.
12. New Orleans Saints: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
Regardless of who is at quarterback, the Saints need to find the “new” Marques Colston – a large target with athleticism. That description fits Treadwell who is a less dynamic version of Dez Bryant.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Jacksonville has invested money and draft picks to improve the offensive line, but there are still question marks at several spots. Decker has the skill-set to start at guard or tackle as a rookie and provides a steady play style that Blake Bortles and the offense needs.
14. Chicago Bears: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
The Bears are far removed from the days of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs dominating the NFC and are missing impact players like that on the 2015 defense. Ragland has range, but his best trait is his aggressiveness downhill.
15. Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
Although he said he will return to Baylor for his senior season, Billings is playing himself into a high draft pick and plans might change. The Redskins have used veterans to fill the nose tackle spot, but Billings would give them a long-term option.
16. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
With Zac Stacy the only running back currently under contract for the 2016 season, the Jets' backfield could look very different next year. Elliott has terrific balance, vision and lower body athleticism to move the chains every time he touches the ball.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Tampa will address the cornerback position next off-season, either in free agency or the draft, possibly both. Alexander doesn't have ideal size, but he has the speed and aggressive nature to blanket receivers.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
Seattle's defensive line depth needs restocked and Washington has experience playing nose guard, three technique and outside.
19. Houston Texans: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
If Bill O'Brien is still the head coach in Houston next off-season, pencil in a quarterback for the Texans in the first round. And Cook has the prototypical skills for O'Brien's offense.
20. Kansas City Chiefs: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
With Eric Fisher struggling and Donald Stephenson eligible for free agency after the season, offensive tackle could be the top priority this off-season for the Chiefs. Conklin doesn't have the athletic tools of Tunsil or Stanley, but he's effective in other ways that help him handle both speed and power off the edge.
21. Indianapolis Colts: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Colts need to invest early draft picks on the offensive and defensive lines and Buckner would be a great start. A long, powerful run stopper, Buckner will never be a high volume pass rusher, but he cleans up vs. the run and keeps blockers busy.
22. New York Giants: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Giants rank near dead-last in the league in team sacks and aren't receiving the production they need from their edge rushers. Lawson leads Clemson with 19.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks and has a well-rounded skill-set.
23. Buffalo Bills: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
With Cordy Glenn set for free agency and Cyrus Kouandjio not a reliable option, the Bills might look to the draft to fill a need at offensive tackle. A former tight end, Spriggs has improved every year since making the switch and has yet to hit his ceiling.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
The Falcons have done a nice job vs. the run in 2015, but rank second-to-late in rushing touchdowns allowed and could use young depth in the trenches. Clark is a stout run defender who is tough to move from his spot.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jayron Kearse, DB, Clemson
A tall, thin defensive back, Kearse has terrific range and football instincts, allowing him to track and cover the entire field, something the Steelers would welcome to the secondary.
26. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
A lot of fingers can be pointed as to why the Vikings rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards, but the lack of perimeter weapons is a substantial reason. Thomas doesn't have elite speed, but he separates with crisp routes and displays NFL ballskills.
27. Green Bay Packers: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
With Mike Daniels and the Packers failing to reach an extension before the season, there's a realistic chance he hits free agency after this season. Even if Daniels returns, Reed is worthy of this pick with his versatility that fits Green Bay's odd front.
28. Denver Broncos: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
With Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe set to hit free agency after this season, the Broncos might be looking for new beef at the grocery store. Allen fits the Broncos multiple front with his ability as a run defender and pass rusher.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
A true wild-card prospect, Spence has first round talent, there is no question about that. But the former Ohio State Buckeye has a history of drug abuse, although he has cleaned up his habits since being banned from the Big Ten. Arizona has the front office, coaches and locker room to take a chance on a boom or bust player like this.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
With Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones both in contract years, the Bengals could be looking for wide receiver help in the draft next April. Coleman hasn't faced NFL caliber competition at cornerback yet, but his performance so far in 2015 has everyone taking notice.
31. Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Panthers have invested several high draft picks in recent years to upgrade the front-seven and that might continue in the 2016 class. Ogbah is a high character person and emerging talent who seems to get better with every snap as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
32. New England Patriots: forfeited selection
By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
November 23, 2015 12:55 am ET
The last time the Chargers drafted in the top-10 was 2004 when the San Diego franchise acquired Philip Rivers. Almost a dozen years later, Rivers has a new contract and the Chargers front office needs to invest in assets to protect him as the organization makes a run for the Super Bowl the next few years.
Team needs will change, the draft order won't end up this way and the prospects below will help and hurt themselves throughout the 2015 season. But if the draft was held tomorrow, here's how it might play out:
1. San Diego Chargers: Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
The Chargers have mixed and matched along the offensive line all season and shouldn't pass on a talent like Tunsil with this top pick. He has the athleticism and upside to be a long-term starter at left tackle.
2. Tennessee Titans: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
On the surface, pass rusher isn't high on the list of needs for the Titans, but Bosa's talent might be too much for Tennessee to pass. The Buckeyes' pass rusher can play with his hand on the ground or standing up and is the type of player you draft and alter your scheme to best fit what he can do.
3. Cleveland Browns: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
The Browns are desperate to find the right answer at quarterback and will be doing their homework on all the passers in the 2016 class. Lynch has the size, athleticism and arm talent that translates well to the pro game and he continues to get better with added experience.
4. Baltimore Ravens: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Baltimore cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb are locked into long-term contracts, but both have struggled to stay healthy and the Ravens can't pass up a talent like Ramsey if he's still available here.
5. San Francisco 49ers: Jared Goff, QB, California
The 49ers and Colin Kaepernick are in the midst of a messy divorce and the franchise will be searching for his replacement. A San Francisco native, Goff still needs work, but his traits are extremely promising.
6. Dallas Cowboys: Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
The Cowboys defense needs help at each level, including at linebacker, especially with the futures of Rolando McClain (free agent) and Sean Lee (injuries) in doubt. Although currently sidelined with a knee injury, Jack has top-10 talent if his rehab is on track.
7. Detroit Lions: Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
With a new front office, the Lions will be a wildcard in the first round, especially if Detroit makes a splash with one of the high-priced contracts (Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, etc.) on the current roster. Stanley would be a plug-and-play option at right tackle and the possible long-term answer on the left side.
8. Miami Dolphins: Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Miami needs to add athleticism at linebacker and Smith has plenty of speed. He isn't a power player, but has the range, instincts and competitiveness to start from day one.
9. Oakland Raiders: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi
Oakland needs help at each level of the defense, but forcing offenses to block a defensive line with Khalil Mack and Nkemdiche is why this pick makes sense.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Eagles have impact players on the defensive line with Bennie Logan and Fletcher Cox, but Cedric Thornton and Brandon Bair have battled injuries and defensive line depth isn't a team strength. Robinson fits Kelly's mold for “bigger, faster, stronger” players on defense.
11. St. Louis Rams: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
With starting cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson in the final year of rookie contracts, the Rams might be looking for a corner or two in the 2016 draft. Hargreaves doesn't have ideal size, but the ball awareness and toughness help compensate.
12. New Orleans Saints: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi
Regardless of who is at quarterback, the Saints need to find the “new” Marques Colston – a large target with athleticism. That description fits Treadwell who is a less dynamic version of Dez Bryant.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Jacksonville has invested money and draft picks to improve the offensive line, but there are still question marks at several spots. Decker has the skill-set to start at guard or tackle as a rookie and provides a steady play style that Blake Bortles and the offense needs.
14. Chicago Bears: Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
The Bears are far removed from the days of Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs dominating the NFC and are missing impact players like that on the 2015 defense. Ragland has range, but his best trait is his aggressiveness downhill.
15. Washington Redskins: Andrew Billings, NT, Baylor
Although he said he will return to Baylor for his senior season, Billings is playing himself into a high draft pick and plans might change. The Redskins have used veterans to fill the nose tackle spot, but Billings would give them a long-term option.
16. New York Jets: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
With Zac Stacy the only running back currently under contract for the 2016 season, the Jets' backfield could look very different next year. Elliott has terrific balance, vision and lower body athleticism to move the chains every time he touches the ball.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
Tampa will address the cornerback position next off-season, either in free agency or the draft, possibly both. Alexander doesn't have ideal size, but he has the speed and aggressive nature to blanket receivers.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State
Seattle's defensive line depth needs restocked and Washington has experience playing nose guard, three technique and outside.
19. Houston Texans: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
If Bill O'Brien is still the head coach in Houston next off-season, pencil in a quarterback for the Texans in the first round. And Cook has the prototypical skills for O'Brien's offense.
20. Kansas City Chiefs: Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
With Eric Fisher struggling and Donald Stephenson eligible for free agency after the season, offensive tackle could be the top priority this off-season for the Chiefs. Conklin doesn't have the athletic tools of Tunsil or Stanley, but he's effective in other ways that help him handle both speed and power off the edge.
21. Indianapolis Colts: DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
The Colts need to invest early draft picks on the offensive and defensive lines and Buckner would be a great start. A long, powerful run stopper, Buckner will never be a high volume pass rusher, but he cleans up vs. the run and keeps blockers busy.
22. New York Giants: Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
The Giants rank near dead-last in the league in team sacks and aren't receiving the production they need from their edge rushers. Lawson leads Clemson with 19.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks and has a well-rounded skill-set.
23. Buffalo Bills: Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana
With Cordy Glenn set for free agency and Cyrus Kouandjio not a reliable option, the Bills might look to the draft to fill a need at offensive tackle. A former tight end, Spriggs has improved every year since making the switch and has yet to hit his ceiling.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA
The Falcons have done a nice job vs. the run in 2015, but rank second-to-late in rushing touchdowns allowed and could use young depth in the trenches. Clark is a stout run defender who is tough to move from his spot.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jayron Kearse, DB, Clemson
A tall, thin defensive back, Kearse has terrific range and football instincts, allowing him to track and cover the entire field, something the Steelers would welcome to the secondary.
26. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
A lot of fingers can be pointed as to why the Vikings rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards, but the lack of perimeter weapons is a substantial reason. Thomas doesn't have elite speed, but he separates with crisp routes and displays NFL ballskills.
27. Green Bay Packers: Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
With Mike Daniels and the Packers failing to reach an extension before the season, there's a realistic chance he hits free agency after this season. Even if Daniels returns, Reed is worthy of this pick with his versatility that fits Green Bay's odd front.
28. Denver Broncos: Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
With Malik Jackson and Derek Wolfe set to hit free agency after this season, the Broncos might be looking for new beef at the grocery store. Allen fits the Broncos multiple front with his ability as a run defender and pass rusher.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
A true wild-card prospect, Spence has first round talent, there is no question about that. But the former Ohio State Buckeye has a history of drug abuse, although he has cleaned up his habits since being banned from the Big Ten. Arizona has the front office, coaches and locker room to take a chance on a boom or bust player like this.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor
With Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones both in contract years, the Bengals could be looking for wide receiver help in the draft next April. Coleman hasn't faced NFL caliber competition at cornerback yet, but his performance so far in 2015 has everyone taking notice.
31. Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State
The Panthers have invested several high draft picks in recent years to upgrade the front-seven and that might continue in the 2016 class. Ogbah is a high character person and emerging talent who seems to get better with every snap as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
32. New England Patriots: forfeited selection
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