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The NFL Draft is almost here. When it comes to the number seven pick, things couldn’t be more interesting.
Many mock drafts still have the Chargers opting to take a safety with their first pick. Some have the Chargers shocking the world and taking a quarterback, while the others have the Chargers finding another weapon for franchise quarterback Philip Rivers.
Here is what the experts have to say.
Todd McShay (ESPN): WR Corey Davis - Western Michigan
The Chargers' No. 7 overall pick was the first time I ran into a hitch in Round 1. There's no O-lineman worth taking that high, and my three top DBs all came off the board in the first six picks. Since I'm prohibited from trading down in this exercise, I'll grab another weapon. Keenan Allen is supremely talented, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy. Davis is the most advanced route runner in the 2017 WR class and has an excellent combination of size (6-2¾, 209), speed and toughness.
McShay has a lot to say here. Although Davis is probably the best wide receiver prospect, it may be a reach at seven. Still, wide receiver is one of the teams needs and it wouldn’t shock me if general manager Tom Telesco tries to get Rivers a true number one receiver.
This was a three round mock draft and McShay had the Chargers adding two more offensive players. One being gunslinger Patrick Mahomes out of Texas Tech and Dorian Johnson a guard from Pittsburgh.
This would be an exciting draft class if the Chargers traveled down this road.
Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN) - S Jamal Adams - LSU
Both Kiper and McShay had a dueling mock draft. Here is who they both had the Chargers selecting at seven.
Kiper: Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams is a steal if he falls in this range, like Todd says, and the Chargers could use him in a variety of roles -- playing in the box, covering tight ends and slot receivers, and disguising him on blitzes. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley can get creative in finding ways to play Adams and Jahleel Addae on all three downs.
McShay: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Do the Chargers have bigger needs? Yes. But this move would be about giving coach Anthony Lynn a clear succession plan at quarterback for Philip Rivers. Watson has the kind of makeup to overcome his weaknesses, particularly if he lands with a team determined to keep him on the sideline early in his career (like the Chargers).
Chad Reuter (NFL.com): S Jamal Adams - LSU
Reuter created a fun six-round mock. The Adams pick has been a popular one. He would be an immediate upgrade in the secondary and could bring an attitude and much needed leadership to the Los Angeles defense.
In the next two rounds, Reuter tabbed the Chargers with quarterback Davis Webb (California) and defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson from Iowa.
Webb is a very controversial prospect but if the Chargers planning on sitting him behind Rivers for a few seasons he could be an option in round two.
In the final three rounds, the Chargers selected Dede Westbrook a receiver out of Oklahoma, G Danny Isidora from Miami, and linebacker Jimmie Gilbert from Colorado.
Bucky Brooks (NFL.com): S Malik Hooker - Ohio State
Gus Bradley's system needs a talented safety between the hashes to be effective in a division with plenty of playmakers on the perimeter.
So far, each roundup has featured at least one mock draft that had the Chargers drafting Hooker.
Many feel that the reason Hooker to the Chargers makes so much sense is thinking in line with Brooks. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley built his feared Seattle defense due to strong safety play. Currently, the Chargers don’t have good safeties.
Walter Cherepinsky (@WalterFootball): DL Jonathan Allen - Alabama
Jonathan Allen is a stud, and he'll fill a huge void for the Chargers on their defensive line. He's also the top player on the board. Allen has some concerns with his shoulders, but he was the best player in college football this past season and should've won the Heisman. If healthy, he'll be a huge difference-maker for the Chargers.
Matt Miller (BleacherReport): S Malik Hooker - Ohio State
Another selection of Hooker. The Chargers would get a true playmaker if they decide to select Hooker with their first pick.
In the second round of Miller’s mock, he had the Chargers taking Davis Webb. This is the second time Webb has been mocked to the Chargers in this roundup. If Webb is the Chargers pick come round two, that may be the biggest storyline heading into camp.