NFL Draft: 5 Possible Targets For The Chargers On Day Two

LaMichael James

With Round 1 out of the way, it’s time to look ahead to the second day of the draft with Rounds 2-3.

The Chargers selected Melvin Ingram with the 18th overall pick and are likely to look towards improving the defense again with their couple next picks.

Offensively, the only needs that the team should be looking to improve on are finding a new backup running back and adding depth to the offensive line.

In Rounds 2-3, the Chargers hold the 49th and 78th overall picks respectively. I shall be looking at the best players still available that may be of interest to the Chargers.

But who should the team be targeting? Let’s find out.

Position: Guard/Offensive Tackle

College: Iowa State

Height: 6′ 5″

Weight: 333 lbs

Big Board Ranking: 34th Overall

Overview

Osemele is a talented prospect but he will need a lot of coaching in the NFL. Although he has the right size and power needed to succeed as an offensive lineman, he sometimes struggles in his technique and will have to learn to improve sooner rather than later.

A dominant run blocker, He would be worth taking in the second round if he’s still available at 49 overall. With the retirement of Kris Dielman, the Chargers could use another guard. Osemele would push Tyronne Green for a starting spot at left guard.

Position: Offensive Tackle

College: Stanford

Height: 6′ 5″

Weight: 312 lbs

Big Board Ranking: 36th Overall

Overview

Martin will be coveted by many teams early in Round 2 and so the Chargers may have to stay put and hope to get lucky just like they did with Ingram in Round 1. He was a surprise omission from the first round even though he rated as the Draft’s third best tackle behind Matt Kalil and Riley Reiff.

Martin is a solid pass protector and also a powerful and aggressive run blocker. Questions have been raised over his ability to play at left tackle in the NFL but he is more than capable of making the switch to right tackle if need be. He would compete with Jeromey Clary at right tackle.

Position: Cornerback

College: North Alabama

Height: 5′ 10″

Weight: 193 lbs

Big Board Ranking: 61st Overall

Overview

With Janoris Jenkins, it’s tough to find a place to start. Take away all the off-field issues and there’s no doubting his ability as a football player.

The Chargers are looking to add another cornerback to the mix with veteran Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason as the established starters. Many teams are reportedly interested in taking Jenkins in Round 2 but that doesn’t mean he is sure to hear his name called. A.J. Smith isn’t usually willing to take a risk on a player like this but that won’t stop him from taking a look if he slips all the way to Round 3.

Position: Safety

College: Boise State:

Height: 6′ 4″

Weight: 225 lbs

Big Board Ranking: 67th Overall

Overview

Iloka has been a solid contributor to the Boise State defense throughout his four years with the school. He is usually stout against the run but can sometimes struggle in coverage.

With Eric Weddle as the only established safety on the roster, the Chargers may be looking to bring in a player to create some competition in the secondary. After missing out on safeties Mark Barron and Harrison Smith, Iloka is the best rated player available.

Position: Running Back

College: Oregon

Height: 5′ 8″

Weight: 194 lbs

Big Board Ranking: 76th Overall

Overview

James is likely to be highly coveted for teams looking to find a new change of pace back. An elusive runner who can also be valuable to the passing game, James would be the ideal candidate to serve as backup to starter Ryan Mathews.

Mathews is yet to complete a full season with the team and hasn’t yet shaken off his injury prone tag. With Tolbert gone to the Carolina Panthers, the Chargers are still looking for a new backup running back. If James is still available by the time the Chargers are on the clock in Round 3, look for the team to take a chance on this talented playmaker from Oregon.

So those are my possible targets for the Chargers in Rounds 2-3.

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NFL Draft: San Diego Chargers First-Round Pick Is…

Melvin Ingram with Commissioner Goodell

“With the 18th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the San Diego Chargers select…Melvin Ingram, Linebacker, South Carolina.”

That was the announcement that was made by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last night at Radio City Music Hall.

Like most Chargers fans, I couldn’t be more excited about this pick.

The team’s two biggest needs going into the first round were finding a pass rusher or safety. With Mark Barron off the board, the Chargers selected the best pass rusher available and that just so happened to be my number 1 ranked pass rusher in the entire Draft.

But what will he bring to the team? Let’s find out.

His Strengths

Pass Rush: Ingram’s biggest strength is his ability to rush the passer. He’s had an impressive 19 sacks during his last two seasons with South Carolina and was also named a first team all-american last year.

Versatility: For his Rookie season at least, it’s his versatility that will help out the Chargers the most. Along with being a third down pass rusher, Ingram can also be used on special teams and don’t be surprised to see him line up in a few fake punt formations this season.

His Weaknesses

Size: The biggest question mark about Ingram is his size. At 6 ft 1 and 264 lbs, some scouts have questioned his ability to play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense but I’m confident that he should be able to make the switch.

Transition to Linebacker: He is coming from a system in college where he was playing as a 4-3 defensive end and will now be asked to make the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker. For some players, the transition can be rather easy, (see Aldon Smith) for others not so much (see Larry English).

What will his role be?

Defense: Ingram will likely be used as the team’s premier pass rusher during his Rookie season. Although he isn’t likely to see as much playing time as Shaun Phillips or Jarret Johnson, don’t be surprised to see him have 10 sacks this season.

Special Teams: Last season against Georgia, Ingram returned a 68 yard fake punt for a touchdown. Simply put, this sounds like the type of player that the Chargers could use on special teams.

Verdict

Overview: The Chargers selected what many scouts considered to be the best pass rusher in the Draft and didn’t have to trade up to do so. My early verdict couldn’t possibly be much better.

Grade: A+

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Thanks for reading.