2011 Mock Draft: San Diego Super Chargers

I have been absent for a little while, but I’m back and ready to continue my mocking duties. So far I have done mock drafts for the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Oakland Raiders. Can you guess which team I am going to do a mock draft for next? You’re such a cheater. You looked at the title…Anyway, the Chargers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. It’s a shame that Vincent Jackson held out and their special teams was one of the worst in history. If those two problems were fixed, they could have been a serious contender. Nevertheless, do not fear Charger fans. With 2 picks in the 2nd round and 2 picks in the 3rd round, this draft is a perfect opportunity to retool and get back to winning the AFC West.

1st Round 18th Overall: Gabe Carimi, OT from Wisconsin
Let me preface this pick by saying I believe the Chargers will trade up and select JJ Watt. Watt looks to be a nice fit as a 5 technique (3-4 DE) and it just so happens that the Chargers have a need at the position. Watt is a high character, hard working player that will fit very nicely in San Diego. However, I haven’t done any mocks where the teams trade up or down so we are going to have to assume the Chargers stay put. If they do stay put, I don’t believe JJ Watt will be there. He has too many positives to make it to 18. A team like the Jags or Vikings will surely give Watt a long look.

Gabe is going to come in and replace Jeromey Clary who is a free agent. He is a vicious mauler. He weighs in at 6 ft 7, 314 pounds. He ran a 5.27 40 at the combine. He was a top performer in the vertical and broad jump. He was the 2010 Outland Trophy winner and could be the best tackle in this draft. He’s a mauler in the run game and throws people around in pass protection. He is just what the doctor ordered in San Diego where Ryan Matthews looks to rebound off a disappointing injury plagued rookie year.

2nd Round 50th overall: Titus Young, WR from Boise St
Young was the unquestioned star of the Senior Bowl. He wowed the scouts and drew several DeSean Jackson comparisons. However, like Jackson, Young is a little skinny. He weighs in at 5 ft 11, 174 yards. Unlike Jackson, Young doesn’t have blazing speed as he clocked in at “just” 4.43 speed. However, he is fast enough to be a legit deep threat and will give Phillip Rivers a new toy to play with if Jackson isn’t back next year.

2nd Round 61st overall: Christian Ballard, DE from Iowa
Ballard is a nice prospect with a lot of upside. He weighed in at 6 ft 4, 284 pounds at the Combine and ran a 4.7 40 yard dash. He needs to be coached up, specifically in his technique, but he could be a dominant player with some development. He was overshadowed at Iowa by Adrian Clayborn, but he has great athleticism, and is a guy who people could look back at and wonder “How did we miss him”?

3rd Round 82nd overall: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB from Oregon St.
Darren Sproles is a free agent which means that the Chargers just lost a very dynamic part of their offense. Quizz could help make up the loss of Sproles in a hurry. Rodgers is electric in every sense of the word. He clocked in at an unimpressive 4.64 at the combine, but made up for it by running a 4.47 at his pro day. Rodgers is a playmaker who is a threat to take it to the house anytime he has the ball.

3rd Round 89th Overall: Dontay Moch, DE/OLB from Nevada
The Chargers need help at the 3-4 OLB position. Larry English has been a big time disappointment although injuries plays a big role in why. Nevertheless, it’s time for the Chargers to start looking for his replacement. Moch is a project, but if he is taught properly, he could be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. At 6 ft 1, 248 pounds, Moch ran a 4.44 at the Combine. That is disgusting considering he played DE in college. Moch has a ton of potential that could pay off in a big way in San Diego.

6th Round 178th Overall: Ahmad Black, SS from Florida
Ahmad Black has been praised by many scouts for his game tape. However, he just doesn’t have the physical tools to be anything more then a late round pick. At his pro day, he ran a 4.75 40 yard dash. He will plummet down boards. The Chargers picked up Bob Sanders to reinforce their SS position, but he is probably good for 3 games next year. Black is a great value pick here.

A quick recap of the Chargers draft:
1st round: Gabe Carimi, T from Wisconsin
2nd round: Titus Young, WR from Boise St
2nd round: Christian Ballard, DE from Iowa
3rd round: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB from Oregon St.
3rd round: Dontay Moch, DE/OLB from Nevada
6th round: Ahmad Black, SS from Florida

With this draft, the Chargers address all of their immediate needs with players that can help right away. Carimi, Young, and Rodgers can all step in and help on day 1. Ballard and Moch will take some time, but their ceilings are very high. Ahmad Black, at the very least, will contribute to San Diego’s putrid Special Teams. The Chargers are one of many teams who want an answer to the CBA problems before the draft. If the Franchise Tag give to Vincent Jackson does not work then it would dramatically alter their draft strategy. Nevertheless, a draft like this would get San Diego back to the top of the AFC West much to the dismay of this Bronco fan.