The perfect prospect for the Los Angeles Chargers
By Dylan Lloyd
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The 2016-17 season was an improvement for the Los Angeles Chargers. Even with injuries to multiple key players, the Chargers were competitive and could have easily won more games. With the seventh overall pick, the Chargers must get a difference-make, and Louisiana State strong safety Jamal Adams is the player they need.
I’ve seen many writers and fans say the best fit for the Chargers is Ohio State safety Malik Hooker. While Hooker was a great ball-hawking safety in his lone year starting, he didn’t show the completeness Adams has.
Hooker is a project player, so taking him at No. 7 even with Adams gone is a bit of a reach.
Chatter of drafting a first-round quarterback is rising now, too. As stated above, the Chargers need a difference-maker now, not a quarterback to sit behind Philip Rivers. Taking Adams or filling another need this year and taking a quarterback in next year’s far better class would be the best move.
While Adams has a few bad plays (everyone does), he made the most of his time at LSU and developed into one of the best safety prospects in years.
The Chargers seem to be building a defense to compete in the talented AFC West. With their starting cornerbacks and edge rushers in place, the two biggest defensive needs for the Chargers are at safety and inside linebacker.
Reuben Foster is slipping in the rankings and Haason Reddick isn’t a top-10 player. Getting a game-changing safety is the most important thing for the Chargers.
Adams’ availability is the only obstacle for them getting him, but he could easily fall into the Chargers’ lap at seven. Many teams don’t find strong safety a position to be drafted with a top-10 pick.
Whether or not the Chargers get Adams, they should be able to compete better in 2017 with a healthy squad. Other good prospects for the Chargers are Jonathan Allen, Marshon Lattimore and Hooker.