Chargers get OL help in 7-round mock draft

Oct 29, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes offensive lineman Garett Bolles (72) celebrates a touchdown by Utah Utes tight end Evan Moeai (not pictured) during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Washington won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing to avoid another underwhelming season, and the first step is to draft impact players. Using Fanspeak’s NFL Mock Draft Simulator, I laid out some picks to help the Chargers based off best pick available and need.

Round 1 – Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback, Ohio State:

The Chargers’ biggest need is at safety, but with Jamal Adams and Malik Hooker already being taken, I went best player available with this selection. Lattimore is an amazing corner who could easily be a starter day one on almost any team. With cornerback Jason Verrett coming off an injury and being in a contract year, selecting Lattimore gives the Chargers flexibility.

Round 2 – Garett Bolles, Offensive Tackle, Utah:

It’s very unlikely Bolles falls to the second round. If he does though the Chargers will jump on the chance to get a franchise left tackle. Bolles will help the Chargers protect quarterback Philip Rivers and his successor. Despite the addition of Russell Okung, who’s 29 years old, the Chargers still need offensive line help.

Round 3 – Dan Feeney, Offensive Guard, Indiana:

Two offensive linemen in a row might be a stretch for some people, but Feeney is a steal in the third round. Feeney was a first-round projection for most of the season until the emergence of offensive guard Forrest Lamp. I still think Feeney is an early-to-mid second-round talent, so getting him in the third would be amazing for the Chargers.

Round 4 – Desmond King, Safety, Iowa:

The fall of King’s stock could be attributed to him not knowing the safety position well. It could also be attributed to dumb luck for the Chargers. They get a great coverage player whether at cornerback or safety. After missing out on the top two safeties, the Chargers get a mid-round stud.

Round 5 – ArDarius Stewart, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Whether you believe the Chargers need a receiver or not, the idea of getting Stewart in the fifth round is intriguing. Stewart is great after the catch and can make plays. He won’t have to step up right away, so the coaching staff can ease him into the starting role.

Round 6 – Cooper Rush, Quarterback, Central Michigan

The Chargers are looking for Rivers’ successor and with the top-end talent not being that appealing, they wait and take Rush. If given the opportunity, Rush might be able to develop into a franchise quarterback. Look for the Chargers to take a quarterback early next year.

Round 7 – Ryan Bullough, Linebacker, Michigan State

The Chargers need linebacker depth, and they use their final pick on a project. Bullough will be behind Denzel Perryman, Jatavis Brown and Korey Toomer and will get eased into the scheme as a rotational player.