7-round Chargers mock draft with a first-round tight end selected
By Jason Reed
With the 125th pick, the Chargers select Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
There are rumors that the Chargers could be interest in John Johnson II but nothing has happened in that regard. It could be a case of the team waiting to see if it can land a safety in the draft and if it doesn't, Johnson can be the backup plan.
Safety probably isn't going to be picked on day one or two unless the Chargers go with Brian Branch in round one. While that might point more toward Johnson joining the team, in this case the Chargers would land a day-two-quality safety in Penn State's Ji'Ayir Brown.
Brown is not the most athletic, which is why his draft stock may fall, but he has an extremely high football IQ, was a leader of Penn State's defense and can be used around the defense with his versatility. These are all traits that Staley and Telesco value.
With the 156th pick, the Chargers select Warren McClendon, T, Georgia
The Chargers still need more offensive line depth as Foster Sarell is the team's only swing tackle option next season. That could change if the team continues to dip into the Georgia Football pool and takes Warren McClendon.
McClendon is a bit on the smaller side so NFL teams may look at him like a guard but he certainly has the strength to play tackle. Last year the Chargers snagged a Georgia tackle prospect on day three that ended up surpassing projections and wasn't forced to only be a guard.
Why not try and strike lightning in a bottle twice with McClendon? It worked with Jamaree Salyer and it very well could work again.