Thoughts on how to assemble the Chargers

Not like Rivers has been a huge step down anyway. It wasn’t a terrible mistake.

And a pass-rusher in the second.

Looks like we also need a Center. Either Gaither or McNeill will be back, but Dielman is toast, and Hardwick probably has one or two more years.

1st: OLB/DE, RT (may trade down), OG (if a rare prospect is to be had)
2nd: RT or OLB/DE, whichever not taken in 1st
3rd: OL (C or OG)
4th: OLB/DE or OL
5th-7th: BPA, focusing on OL, QB, DB, OLB/DE, TE, RB/KR who can catch, K

Walter Cherepinsky predicts 8-11 OLB/DEs as 2nd-day stock or better… how wrong is he?

1st Round: Dre Kirkpatrick
6’3, 192 pounds | Cornerback | Alabama

First word: Kirkpatrick started 12 of Alabama’s 13 games in 2010 at left cornerback. He finished the year with three interceptions, seven pass breakups and 53 tackles. As a freshman in 2009, Kirkpatrick sat and learned behind Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. Leading into his junior year, Kirkpatrick has all the tools to be an elite cornerback. He’s still a work in progress, however, and much of the praise surrounding him is based on projecting potential.

2nd Round: Ray Ray Armstrong
6’4, 215 pounds | Safety | Miami
First word: How good is Ray Ray Armstrong? He lives up to his number, 26. It’s quite a feat considering it was worn by former Miami star Sean Taylor. It’s easy to compare the two. Like Taylor, Armstrong is a big, physical safety with solid coverage skills. NFL teams are already getting in touch with Armstrong’s high school coaches to get more background on the junior.

Armstrong started only four games of the 2010 season, but saw significant playing time throughout the year. He finished 2010 with 76 tackles and three interceptions (taking one back for a touchdown).

3rd round: James-Michael Johnson | 6’2, 240 pounds | MLB | Nevada
“Nevada defenders have a tough time trying to make people take notice of their play because of the team’s offense, which ranked fourth in the FBS in total yardage in 2010. But Johnson’s toughness and production has not escaped notice of WAC coaches, who named him second-team all-conference in each of the last two seasons, and NFL scouts.

Johnson played in all 13 games with 10 starts as a redshirt freshman. Included in his 49 tackles were 12.5 for a loss, and he also had 1.5 sacks, an interception and forced fumble. He started every game over the next two seasons, making 57 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and five pass break-ups on the outside in 2009 before moving to the middle as a junior (88 tackles, eight TFL, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles).

Teams running base schemes should see Johnson as one of the top true mike linebackers in this draft because of his ability to come downhill against the run. If he proves himself athletically in a post-season all-star game and the Combine could push him into the top 100 overall selections.

4th Round: Adrian Robinson | 6’2, 250 pounds | DE/OLB | Temple
“As a prolific pass rusher (33 sacks his last two seasons) and Most Valuable Player of the famed “Big 33” all-star game between the top high school prospects from Ohio and Pennsylvania (three sacks, blocked punt), Robinson could have matriculated to Penn State or a host of other prominent programs. He surprisingly chose Temple, though, because he knew then-head coach Al Golden had the football team going in the right direction and he “liked being the underdog.”

Golden got Robinson’s talent on the field right away, playing him in all 12 games and starting him at defensive end the final three contests (20 tackles, 1.5 TFL, sack). Robinson’s break-out sophomore season earned him MAC Defensive Player of the Year accolades after racking up 13 sacks and forcing five fumbles. Though his numbers were down in his junior season (38 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles), league coaches saw enough of his game to once again name him first-team All-MAC.

Though Robinson is listed as a defensive end, Temple coaches have played him all over the field. In addition to rushing the passer with his hand on the ground, Robinson played outside the tackle, over the tight end, and at the second level in a stack. New defensive coordinator Chuck Heater may play him as a more traditional 4-3 end like he did Jermaine Cunningham and other undersized ends while at Florida, but the versatility Robinson showed during his career may push 3-4 teams looking for powerful linebackers to select him early in the 2012 draft.

5th round: John Cullen | 6’4, 305 pounds | OT | Utah
Is far from a finished product, but there is some real natural athleticism there. Needs to get stronger and develop as a puncher, but has to take that next step as a player. Struggles vs. better competition."

6th round: Phillip Blake | 6’3, 320 pounds | C | Baylor
Pass Blocking: Former right tackle possesses the length and footwork to mirror any interior lineman. Plays with low center of gravity, natural bend and lateral quickness. Flashes a strong enough anchor to pancake overextended defenders, but can be pushed backwards when his hands aren’t on his man’s numbers. Also gets out-quicked when hand placement is off. Reliable, accurate shotgun snapper.

Run Blocking: Strong run blocker capable of moving the nose tackle to his left or right with his upper body. Agile enough to seal to either side when uncovered. Inconsistent down-blocking and finding the mike linebacker on combo blocks in tight quarters, gets stuck at the line at times instead of moving to second level. Inconsistent intensity and hand placement to sustain after initial contact. Stops his feet too often, losing his balance or allowing his man comes off his block. Stays low, gets some movement in short-yardage situations but typically just holds the line.

7th round: Derek Moye | 6’5, 202 pounds | WR | Penn State
Impression: A big wide out who uses his skill set to get off press and has some sneaky strider speed down the field. Isn’t going to separate a ton in the NFL, but can win in the three step game, work the middle of the field."