Mel Kiper mock draft: Chargers select Laremy Tunsil
By Ernie Padaon
Mel Kiper released his first mock draft of the 2016 season and he has the San Diego Chargers selecting Laremy Tunsil with the 3rd overall selection in the draft. The mocks for the San Diego Chargers are going to look similar as we keep going. Tunsil and Joey Bosa will be the two names that we will be watching and we will be hoping that the Cleveland Browns do not ruin our plans on selecting one of the two.
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With Kiper projecting Bosa to be taken with the first overall draft choice, the Chargers will use their selection on the offensive line by selecting Tunsil. Here is the breakdown from Kiper:
Ken Whisenhunt is back at offensive coordinator for the Chargers, and the immediate need for this team is going to be figuring out a way to keep Philip Rivers upright. Injuries have decimated the Chargers’ offensive line, and adding Tunsil means they get an immediate starter. This kid is a flat-out gifted left tackle prospect, the kind of player who could go No. 1 overall to Tennessee. Get him here and you’ll be pleased.
The Chargers need to find more beef up front to keep Philip Rivers standing up and to create some space for Melvin Gordon in the run game. All the injuries up front have hurt the Chargers and the team will be looking to find the beef to grind it out offensively.
King Dunlap will be back for another season after signing a new deal last offseason, but he has not been healthy after signing that deal. He can move over to the right side of the offensive line and play the right tackle role if it were needed. Joe Barksdale was one of the team’s best linemen last season and he is becoming a free agent. The team could look to bring him back to compete for the starting role.
This offensive line has some players that they can work with, the biggest need up there will be at the center position. Who can the team find to play that role and get this line grinding away.