FanPost

Making the Case - Selecting an Offensive Lineman in the First Round

Like most of us, I am eagerly awaiting April 30th. As a long time draft enthusiast, I've made it a yearly ritual to prepare as much as possible by watching tape on a large number of prospects, not just potential San Diego picks. After doing so this year I decided to put together a short series of posts taking a look at the most likely positions SD will target in the first round. Due to draft position and what the team did in free agency, I feel this is the least clear-cut first round for SD in awhile.

For this series, I will be targeting OL, HB, DL, Edge rusher and WR. I don't feel it's necessary to cover QB as its either Mariota or they are sticking with Rivers, plus that's been covered quite well by a large number of people. Though SS is a position I feel could definitely be upgraded, this first round is not the place to do so. I have picked OL to cover first as, in my opinion, it offers the most versatility both in prospects likely to be available and the players currently on the roster.

Current Roster

As it stands right now, the most likely starting lineup for the OL is Dunlap-Franklin-Watt-Troutman-Fluker. While this is an improvement over the mess that 2014 became, the right guard spot still needs to be upgraded significantly. Also, the current backup guards are Bryce Quigley, Jeremiah Sirles, Michael Huey, Craig Watts and Kenny Wiggins who have a combined experience of 3 game appearances and 1 start between them all. Experience doesn't equal talent, but it's never good to have such little experienced depth for two spots on the offensive line. That said, Troutman being replaced as a starter and becoming a reserve would be an ideal situation for the team.

Looking at the contract situations for the OL makes you realize that if the current lineup can have success it bodes well for the immediate future of the offense. Assuming the fifth year option is picked up for Fluker, four of the projected starters (Fluker, Watt, Franklin, Dunlap) are all signed through the 2017 season. Should a rookie be selected to join and essentially replace Troutman, all five starters would then be signed through 2017, with three of them (rookie, Dunlap and Franklin) through 2018. Another major plus of this is most of them, other than Franklin really, would be very cap friendly numbers in years where big contracts could be handed out.

Position Versatility

The number one reason why I labeled this entry in the series as OL and not OG is because of the versatility of the options SD has. This applies to the prospects and the players currently on the roster. Franklin can start at LG or RT. Fluker can start at RG or RT. Watt can start at C or OG. Even Dunlap can start at either tackle spot. This allows SD to target really any position along the OL and still kick Troutman down to a reserve roll.

If SD drafts an OG, that player could replace Troutman and it's a pretty simple one-for-one exchange. Should they select an OT, they can go in at RT, kicking Fluker in to RG and Troutman to reserve. If center is the pick, Watt would replace Troutman at RG. Really can't go wrong any way you look at it.

OL Prospects

In this series I won't be breaking down each prospect as that would make these far too long. Instead, if someone else on here has already done a breakdown on the prospect I will link to that. I will list prospects that could be available at pick 17 and how they would fit in with the current roster.

Brandon Scherff, Iowa - while most have him going 10 to the Rams, it's possible he could slide to 17. He is projected as either a RT or OG. Essentially it would be a "best fit" at both the right side spots between him and Fluker should he be the pick.

Ereck Flowers, Miami - his stock is hard to judge as I've seen him go anywhere from 15 to as far as the second round. He is an OT so either he replaces Dunlap or Fluker and they kick inside to RG. Highly doubt it would be Dunlap, but he can play LT.

La'el Collins, LSU - A favorite of mine, he can play OT or OG. I could easily see him win the RT job and kick Fluker inside. Should this be the case, I could run off the right side safely.

D.J. Humphries, Florida- a Humphries Charger jersey would be interesting to see. He can play either tackle spot. Has a history of leg injuries, which I'm sure Bolts fans would love. Could be more of a project pick due to lack of experience/injury history.

Andrus Peat, Stanford - he is a left tackle, which would move Dunlap or be a depth/future selection. Could move to RT but many project him as LT.

Cameron Erving, Florida State - most versatile of the bunch, he can play any spot on the line. He could be the wildcard that kicks Watt to guard by taking over center where he excelled last season at FSU. Could directly replace Troutman as well.

TJ Clemmings, Pitt - another favorite of mine, I'd expect him to either replace Fluker or Troutman. I like him best at tackle. Can play OG or RT in the NFL. His stock is also all over the place, but I wouldn't have a problem if he is the choice at 17.

Jake Fisher, Oregon - even though he was forced over to LT due to injuries, he projects as a RT in the NFL. He's someone who typically goes at the back end of the first, but 17 isn't impossible. Would kick Fluker inside.

Check out these posts from BFTB for more info on each of the players:

Top offensive tackles

Finding the new right tackle

Players worth a first round pick

Overview

Offensive line seems to be a great way to go this year when you consider the need, players available and how it would benefit multiple aspects of the team. My personal favorite, should this be the route the bolts go, is La'el Collins. I would put him at RT and move Fluker to RG, making Troutman a reserve. This would make the starting lineup Dunlap-Franklin-Watt-Fluker-Collins with key reserves being Hairston, Troutman and Robinson.

Hope you all enjoyed the first entry in this series, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.