Here is a quick survey of a few Mock Drafts and who they have the Chargers drafting. This and $2.50 will get you a small cup of coffee at Starbucks.
| Source | Pick |
|---|---|
| Mel Kiper, ESPN | Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi |
| McShay, ESPN |
|
| Don Banks, SI | Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia |
| Peter King, SI | Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia |
| Lombardi, National Football Post | Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State |
| Wes Bunting, National Football Post | Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU |
| Mocking the Draft, SBNation | Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC |
| Shutdown Corner/ SBNation | Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC |
| Sporting News | Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State |
| Kevin Acee, SD Union Tribune | Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU |
| Chargers.com | Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia |
| NFL.com | Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC |
Outside of Beanie Wells and Moreno, these all qualify as "need picks". Beanie/Kowshon would get some carries next year but not a lot unless someone got injured.
Jackson is probably the only guy who would get penciled in as the starter for week 1 as soon as he is drafted.
Maualuga would probably compete with Burnett for the starting role. More than likely Maualuga would end up being the running down LB with Burnett being the passing down LB.
Jenkins would definitely be a project although I could see him starting at FS opposite Weddle at SS. I think Jenkins would definitely be the starter by mid-way through the season.
It's a little interesting that no one has us taking an OT. We needed one last year, and we probably still need one just as much this year. Most Mocks have Ebon Britton (Arizona) still on the board, and some still have Oher on the board when we draft. I guess the experts figure we have bigger needs elsewhere or there is not a OT pick of the correct value at 16.
On cue, Kiper and McShay weigh in with the OT picks! Not surprising since it is a need, and I think the defensive guys we want will move off the board faster than we think.
Also, don't forget to get your picks in for the Bolts from the Blue Mock Draft League. Pay attention to who the Lions sign before the draft starts and get one free pick!