BoogaP’s Chargers Mock Draft: Version #1
By BoogaP
Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
As we all know, it is now the mock draft season that will become the focus of our down time until late April.
Last year, my mock draft yielded only one correct player. I also guessed the round in which he would be drafted.
That player would be tight end Ladarius Green. Although Green was rarely active during the 2012 season, I do believe he has a bright future in San Diego. He will definitely need to bulk up to be able to compete in the NFL. My confidence level has risen significantly, in that regard, knowing that the strength and conditioning staff has been fired.
But, enough of that talk. Let’s jump right into my first mock of the Chargers 2013 draft. I’ll do a brief write up below each individual player and why I’m suggesting that they would be a good addition.
Enjoy and please leave some comments at the bottom of the article. I’d love to hear some of your ideas on who you would like to see wearing lightning bolts in 2013.
Round 1:
Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan
Fisher is having himself a great practice week in Mobile leading up to the Senior Bowl. So good, in fact, that he may be forcing teams to draft him in the top ten. That being said, I am counting on a couple of QB hungry teams to overdraft an incoming collegiate player far too soon. Fingers crossed that Fisher is still on the board at 11.
Round 2:
Desmond Trufant CB Washington
Like Fisher, he may be having “too good” of a showing in Mobile. He has looked fantastic in off man and man coverage in one on one drills. He’s very aggressive and uses his hands very well. He will have to be aware of the NFL’s rule about no contact after 5 yards though. He is a guy that is capable of plugging in immediately if necessary.
Round 3:
Andre Ellington RB Clemson
Ellington is a bit smaller in stature but has that explosive burst that you love in a running back. His vision has improved and he shows good balance. He should run the forty yard dash in the low 4.4s at the combine.
Round 4:
Nico Johnson ILB Alabama
Good size and good speed as well for the position. Johnson would be a nice compliment to Donald Butler in the middle of the Charger 34 defense. My opinion is that he would take a year to learn the NFL game and then be a big contributor in year two. If drafted by the Bolts, expect him to contribute on special teams as a rookie.
Round 5:
Hugh Thornton G Illinois
In the 2012 draft, San Diego selected Johnnie Troutman from Penn State. I expect the team to give him every opportunity to start in 2013. I see Thornton as a value pick if he indeeds falls to the fifth round. Depth on the offensive line is very crucial, as all Charger fans know very well.
Round 6:
Tyrann Mathieu CB (Formerly of LSU)
Similar to the issues that Alfonzo Dennard had going into the 2012 draft, I am going out on a limb and assuming that Mathieu will get into trouble between now and the draft. Despite a checkered past, he is a serious ballhawk. If by chance he can straighten up his act, he is easily worth a flyer this late in the draft. I actually expect him to be drafted in the mid second to early third round. But, again, there is probable cause to assume that he might have one more run in with the law that pushes him this deep into the draft.
Round 7:
William Campbell DL Michigan
Campbell is a behemoth of a man at 6’5″ 318 pounds. He would most likely provide depth at defensive end for the Bolts’ 34.
UDFA possibilities:
Onterrio McCalebb RB Auburn , Jake Stoneburner TE Ohio St, Cooper Taylor SS Richmond, Dayne Crist QB Kansas, Brandon McManus K/P, Eric Stevens FB Cal, Johnny Adams Cb Michigan State
Well there you have it. This is the first edition of my mocks prior to the 2013 draft. There will, of course, be many, many more.
Stay tuned for my Free agent acquisition possibilities article that will come out tonight as well.
Thanks a lot for reading.
BoltUp!!!
BoogaP