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Over the last few months when you've all looked at mock drafts, you can pretty much guarantee that the Los Angeles Chargers first round pick is going to be Ohio State's Safety Malik Hooker. However, they've finally been mocked a completely new name there in TheRinger.com's first round mock, put together by Danny Kelley. And that is offensive lineman Forrest Lamp out of Western Kentucky. Not only is this the first time he's been mocked to the Chargers, but it's the first time I've seen him in the top 15, so this is quite a surprise.
On the other hand, it also makes complete sense. Lamp is a very athletic blocker who was a four-year starter at W. Kentucky. He played and practiced all across the offensive line, so you rarely see a scouting report without 'versatile' in there, and we know how much the Chargers LOVE players being versatile. He has really good feet movement allowing him to, more often than not, be in the correct position to complete the block. Lamp has good hands and punch to affect where he wants the rusher to go. He is projected to be a guard at the next level but did hold up OK at left tackle against elite prospects Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams. The Chargers have a big need for the guard position. The right guard position is up for grabs and on the other side, Orlando Franklin hasn't exactly played to his contract.
A lot of people would see this as a major reach, but Lamp's stock has significantly risen since he confirmed his position as one of the top linemen at the Combine, ranking in the top 7 of his position in five out of the six events, as shown below:
Combine Results:
40-yard Dash: 5.00 secs (4th highest amongst OL)
Bench Press: 34 reps (Joint 2nd)
Vertical Jump: 27.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9'3" (Joint 3rd)
3-Cone Drill: 7.55 secs (Joint 5th)
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.62 secs (7th)
(Results per NFL.com)
I believe the best thing the Chargers can do is to trade back from 7, if possible. If that were the case, Lamp could definitely become a viable option. However, reaching on an offensive lineman is something you could see the Chargers doing (see: DJ Fluker).
Do you think Lamp would be a suitable pick at 7 or would it be a reach? Please leave your comments below.