Having previously discussed the San Diego Chargers’ options with the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the attention then turns towards the team’s options with their next selection at the 35th pick.
Given that the Chargers will most likely spend their first selection towards improving the defense, the second round pick should be spent towards the development of the offense. The areas that need the most improvement are undoubtedly along the offensive line and within the receiving corps.
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According to Pro Football Focus, the San Diego Chargers’ offensive line ranked dead last in the NFL. Not only did they have the lowest graded offensive lineman in Trevor Robinson, but the Chargers also had an offensive line that featured 12 players taking snaps.
The Chargers need longevity along the line, a player who will play through pain and produce at a high level. Since former center Nick Hardwick retired, Philip Rivers and the team have struggled to find a valuable replacement. The team drafted Chris Watt in the third round of the 2014 draft but has yet to manage a full season nonetheless look the part of a starting-caliber center. That being said, there are three players that the Chargers could draft in the second round that would be able to fulfill the desired starter at the center position.
Cody Whitehair, Ryan Kelly, and Jack Allen all embody the term toughness within their game. Whitehair played all along the offensive line during his tenure with Kansas State, and he did so with little drop off between each position.
Ryan Kelly worked his way to being a three-year starter for a perennial top power in Alabama; he showed the mental toughness to lead his unit into creating massive holes for the eventual Heisman winner.
Jack Allen has a wrestling background, maintaining why he was so adept at staying in position and almost never losing body control. Any of these three players would provide the Chargers with a much-needed mentally tough, versatile competitor.
At wide receiver, the Chargers are in desperate need of a quick-burst, sure-handed stud to complement Keenan Allen and newly-signed Travis Benjamin. A player like the Miami Dolphins’ Jarvis Landry would greatly benefit the offense in both the passing and running game. With the 35th pick, there seem to be a few players that warrant consideration. Michael Thomas, Sterling Shepard, and Braxton Miller each possess unique traits that would greatly benefit the Chargers’ offense.
Michael Thomas is a player that I expect to be taken in the first round given his advanced route running ability; however, in the case of Thomas falling, the Chargers should select him given the potential to have a near mirror to Keenan Allen across the field.
Sterling Shepard is exactly built in the mold of Jarvis Landry; a fast, quick-burst receiver who can beat press coverage and make plays happen anywhere.
Braxton Miller is a bit of a question mark given his lack of experience at the receiver position; yet, Miller has the potential to become a dynamic threat given his intangibles, willingness to be coachable, and desire to become successful.
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Each of these players, no matter the position, would undoubtedly become a positive impact to the team. At lineman, the given players would contribute a steady, hard-working grinder of a football player. At receiver, any of these players would provide an excellent athlete that offers an immediate big play threat. The San Diego Chargers cannot afford to waste any pick in the 2016 draft, but to miss on an early pick such as the 35th pick in the second round would be an absolute travesty.