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San Diego Chargers: Top Offensive Linemen Prospects

By Keith Demolder

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Cameron Erving

As the number one ranked center in the 2015 NFL draft, Cameron Erving is definitely going to to in the first round. Where he’ll fall, nobody knows. However, many have him falling right around the 25th overall pick, right in time for the San Diego Chargers to pick their replacement for retired center Nick Hardwick.

Out of Florida State, Erving was recognized early on during his high school career as he played both defensive lineman and offensive lineman. After recording 98 tackles and 48 solo tackles as a senior, Erving signed to Florida State and was given praise for his offensive line responsibilities after switching from defensive lineman in 2012.

By the end of his junior and senior seasons (which saw the Noles go undefeated in the regular season twice), Erving had earned numerous awards and recognitions.

2014 Honors

  • Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner
  • All-ACC First Team – Left Tackle (Media/Coaches)
  • All-ACC Second Team – Center (Media)
  • All-ACC Third Team – Center (Coaches)
  • CBSSports.com All-America First Team
  • Scout.com All-America Second Team
  • Sports Illustrated All-America Honorable Mention 

2013 Honors

  • Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner
  • All-ACC First Team
  • Coaches All-ACC First Team
  • Sporting News All-America First Team
  • USA TODAY Sports All-America First Team
  • SI.com All-America First Team
  • Associated Press All-America Second Team
  • CBSSports.com All-America Second Team

(Awards courtesy of Cameron Erving’s Florida State bio).

With that stated, I think Erving has the best chance of making a difference on the Chargers roster. He’s gotten plenty of experience in high pressure situations (two NCAA playoff games) and also knows what it’s like to play the defensive tackle position in college so he knows what exactly is going through a defenders head prior to the snap.

His height and weight, according to Florida State, comes in at 6’6,” 308 pounds, making him one of the biggest offensive guards in this season’s draft. As well, Erving’s physical prowess and athleticism have taken NFL draft scouts by storm.

According to CBSSports.com, Erving is a “versatile athlete with blend of size, athleticism, length, light feet and flexibility. Toughness, aggressive and works to finish opponents with strong hands and impressive natural power in his lower half.” But, Erving’s “footwork can be sloppy in pass protection and he bends the waist to catch the rush instead of absorbing with his lower half. When engaged tries to win with his upper body rather than his lateral swiftness. Aggression can work against him.”

Erving seems to have all of the physical tools, it is just a matter of whether or not Erving is truly ready to make his name in the NFL. A concentration in the off-season on the technical aspect of the offensive guard/center positions will most likely benefit Erving in the future. His mean streak could be a potential issue, but it’s nothing that a good training camp or OTAs can’t fix.

For the Chargers though, they’re probably going to have to spend their first-round pick on Erving because he’s going to be taken around the 25th overall selection. I think this guy could anchor the Bolts offensive lines for the immediate future and is definitely worth a potential trade up. With three pieces already in place on the offensive line, Erving could be that last piece to a successful 2015 San Diego Chargers puzzle.

Next: Top San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver Prospects

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