San Diego Chargers 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft
By Blake Meek
Sep 8, 2012; Winston Salem, NC, USA North Carolina Tar Heels guard Jonathan Cooper (64) blocks during a pass play in the second quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB
Jonathan Cooper – All the reasons for drafting Warmack you can say for Cooper. He is an elite OG prospect who also has All-Pro potential. The big difference between Cooper and Warmack is athleticism. Cooper is a much more athletic OG while Warmack is a much stronger OG. Cooper can get out and pull on plays to the outside extremely well. He also gets up to the 2nd level and locks on blocks really well. Cooper has 4 years of starting at OG at UNC on his resume as well.
November 10, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Barkevious Mingo – Shaun Phillips had the most sacks on the Chargers last year with 9 sacks. He is a free agent right now, but could still be retained. They drafted Melvin Ingram last year , but he didn’t show a ton on the field. Mingo has flashed the ability to be an absolutely great pass rusher. He has an absoutely great first step and is extremely flexible to get around tackles on the outside. Mingo needs to add some muscle mass to his frame because he still lacks in the run game. He will probably be used much like Bruce Irvin this past year, at least as a rookie because of his pass rush ability, but lacks all the skills to be an every down player right now.
Dec 29, 2011; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second quarter of the 2011 Champs Sports Bowl at the Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Rhodes – The Chargers let Antoine Cason sign with the Cardinals, but they did sign Derek Cox and Johnny Patrick in the offseason. Quentin Jammer is a free agent as well, but could still be brought back, though he is 34 years old. Cornerback isn’t the most pressing need on the team and I really doubt they take one, but I couldn’t really think of someone else to put here that made sense. Rhodes has the ability to be a very physical, #1 CB in this league. If by some weird chance that all of the players above here get taken, CB is a position that can still be upgraded.
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