Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup Vol. 5

The NFL Draft is a month away and there is still plenty of debate surrounding the number seven pick in the draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers have plenty of holes to fill, but which direction will the Chargers go? The safety position could use an upgrade and so could the defensive line. There is also the thought of finding a replacement for Philip Rivers from the get-go.

It looks as if the first six picks are going to dictate who the Chargers select. If there is an early run on quarterbacks, it bodes well for the Chargers as they may get to snag a game-changing defensive player.

On the other hand, if the quarterback needy teams decide to hold off on drafting one, the Chargers may have to settle. Either way, there is still discussion to be had with this pick.

Here’s what who the experts think the Chargers will take come April:

Dan Kadar (SBNation.com): S Jamal Adams - LSU

In this edition of Kadar’s mock, he has the Chargers addressing one of their biggest needs at safety.

Jahleel Addae is a decent player, but he isn’t a game-changer. Jamal Adams can fill that role. A hard-hitter and a natural leader, he can bring a much-needed attitude to this Los Angeles defense.

In the second round of this mock, Kadar had tackle Cam Robinson from Alabama going to the Chargers. This pick makes sense. The Bolts need help along the offensive line and Robinson has the potential to become a starting NFL tackle.

Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN): S Malik Hooker - Ohio State

If Jahleel Addae is the Chargers' in-the-box safety, Hooker (6-1, 206) could be their center fielder. He has incredible range, but like Lattimore, he was a first-year starter for the Buckeyes in 2016. One thing that makes Hooker particularly interesting here is that Los Angeles already has one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL in fellow Buckeyes alum Joey Bosa. Hooker is the type of player who can help a great pass rush produce points going the other way on errant throws.

Lance Zierlein (NFL.com): S Malik Hooker - Ohio State

The Chargers could use a wide receiver, but this feels too early for that position. Hooker gives them a very talented, instinctive back-end presence.

Zierlein’s logic is sound. The receivers in this class may not be worthy of a number seven selection and the Chargers have players that can produce on the outside. Los Angeles may not be convinced that Corey Davis (Western Michigan), Mike Williams (Clemson), or John Ross (Washington) are going to develop into a true number one target for Rivers.

Gary Davenport (BleacherReport.com): CB Marshon Lattimore - Ohio State

Here’s a piece of what Davenport had to say about Marshon Lattimore fitting in LA.

Paired with Hayward and Jason Verrett (if he can stay healthy), the addition of Lattimore could give the Chargers one of the most talented trios of cover men in the NFL.

It’s no secret that the Chargers need secondary help. That theme has been present throughout these mock drafts.

When healthy, the trio of Casey Hayward, Jason Verrett, and Marshon Lattimore would be special. With the Chargers injury history, however, it is hard to even fathom the potential.

Dane Brugler (CBSSports.com): OT Ryan Ramczyk - Wisconsin

Adding Russell Okung helps, but the Chargers still have too many leaks on the offensive line. Adding a talent like Ramczyk will continue the organization's commitment to protecting the quarterback

This would be a shocker. If Ryan Ramczyk was healthy, this pick may be more popular. However, the Wisconsin product recently had hip surgery and has taken a minor fall down draft boards.

In all likelihood, Ramczyk would be an upgrade over a majority of the lineman on the roster. It is just hard to believe that the Chargers would invest so much in the tackle position.

Chris Burke (SI.com): S Malik Hooker - Ohio State

This is close to the ideal scenario for the Chargers: two QBs and a running back in the top six; Hooker, Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and every wide receiver still available. Hooker is a game-changing presence against the pass, landing in a league that’s airing it out more than ever.

Love the point Burke makes here. If teams take a flyer on quarterbacks early, the Chargers will have plenty of guys to choose from on the defensive side of the ball.

It would all come down to who they like best. If Jonathan Allen and Hooker are on the board, it would be a tough decision for Los Angeles.