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I don't really mind mock drafts like most people. I think it's fun and it gives you something to talk about. It also gives us a range of where the player could go. Sure, there are going to be examples of a player wildly over/under drafted but why not entertain it?
NFL.com's Chad Reuter recently did a 4 round mock. I give anyone credit who can list over 100 players. It's tough to take them seriously before free agency but here's what Reuter did for the Chargers.
7) Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
Why it makes sense-The Chargers can't count on King Dunlap for a full season and need to address the position. That's no secret. With Ramczyk, you're getting the best left tackle in the draft. From a technique standpoint, he's everything you want at the position. Likely a player who will be very good and dependable for 2 contracts.
Why you pass-I can't see a situation where there's a player who can create turnovers or score touchdowns is less valuable than an offensive lineman. Not to mention he played 1 year at Wisconsin, will be coming off of surgery, and is already 23. Here are other options at the position.
What I'd do: I'm turning a position group into a position of strength. I'm taking a player who can win up and down the line of scrimmage. If you tag Melvin Ingram, perfect. If not, even better. Malik McDowell has the talent to be the best player in the draft. He's an easy upgrade over Corey Liuget inside and has the raw athleticism to win outside.
Runner ups: Takk Mckinley, Edge, UCLA, Tim Williams, Edge, Bama
37) Chad Hansen, WR, Cal,
His hype train is out of control and I believe that will cool after he runs slower than people think. He does some good things, no doubt.
Chad Hansen vs Utah. Really good job of shielding/stacking DBs. Also uncovering himself & working back to the all this game pic.twitter.com/uTR2MSZ1NT
— KP (@KP_Show) February 5, 2017
I've seen him against top corners however and he's just not a player you take at the top of the 2nd. I did a periscope breaking him down against Washington's Sydney Jones you can watch here. Hard pass.
What I'd do: Budda Baker, S, Washington. I've already gone in-depth on Baker. He's a stud. He's already the best safety on the roster and adds a speed/instincts/playmaking element the team is sorely lacking at the position.
Runners-up: S Obi Melonfonwu, IOL Ethan Pocic, CB Gareon Conley
71) Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Moreau is a very good prospect that I'd expect to go no later than the 2nd round. I think corner is a bigger position of need than we make it out to be so Moreau here would be great value for the Chargers.
https://twitter.com/KP_Show/status/823675838604394497 embed
https://twitter.com/KP_Show/status/823675838604394497 embed
This is an upgrade over Brandon Flowers and insurance in the event Jason Verrett or Casey Hayward goes down with injury. I like the player here.
Alternate pick: Dorian Johnson, IOL, Pittsburgh
Johnson is a guard and a very athletic guard at that. The Chargers asked DJ Fluker and Orlando Franklin to cover too much ground last year and they just couldn't handle that. I think getting away from the lumbering type would really help their offense as a whole.
108) Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia
I honestly have no idea who this is. I've seen people hype him up for being a speed demon and a deep threat but that's all I got. I don't think that's what the team needs. I think they need a consistent down to down threat. How this mock plays out, there's a perfect one on the board.
What I'd do: Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
Ford is my favorite receiver in the draft. He's one of the best route runners. He's great at the line of scrimmage.
#datrelease @BenFennell_NFL pic.twitter.com/WJ81HuzePg
— KP (@KP_Show) January 19, 2017
He wins late, though, too. He can go up and get it. He is very good with positioning and will finish the tough catches. In my opinion, Ford is a top 5 receiver in this class. He's not going to wow you because he's not flashy. But he does the receiver things that translate. I'm a fan.
Runners-up: Tedric Thompson, S, Colorado, Nazair Jones, DT, UNC