PFF is putting together team-specific draft boards for all 32 franchises using our draft rankings and evaluation of how each player fits in specific schemes.
Included are three ideal targets for each team with their first-, second-, and third-round picks, along with a team-specific draft board (at the bottom of this article) that includes every player in PFF’s draft rankings.
Here is the entry for the San Diego Chargers:
Round 1 (third overall)
This is the ideal situation for all involved. The Chargers' biggest need is on the defensive line, while Buckner would fit best in a 3-4 scheme like San Diego employs. No Charger defensive linemen had more than 20 pressures or stops last year, so Buckner would be a day-one starter, and likely fix both of those problems.
While Joey Bosa is ideally fit for a 4-3 defensive end role, as the top player on the PFF draft board, he might be too good to pass up if he falls to No. 3. Even though they run a 3-4 scheme, in the past few years they’ve had an edge rusher who rarely drops into coverage, like Dwight Freeney and Jerry Attaochu, so they could make the scheme fit.
Even though the Chargers have invested in inside linebackers in recent drafts, that shouldn’t stop them from considering the best linebacker in this draft, Myles Jack. The Chargers' linebackers were subpar in coverage, and Jack would help fill that void.
Round 2 (35th overall)
Adolphus Washington, DE/DT, Ohio State
Even if the Chargers go with Buckner in Round 1, they could use another lineman in Round 2, and Washington would be a nice complement. While Buckner would replace Kendall Reyes, Washington has the versatility that San Diego has liked in defensive linemen to play both three-tech and nose tackle, and be an asset in their rotation.
The Chargers have traditionally had receivers that don’t drop many passes, which means Carroo would fit right in, with just two drops on 96 catchable targets over the last two years. The need for a wide receiver isn’t as strong compared to other positions, but they lack depth, which means Carroo could contribute right away.
It’s possible that a team picks Kelly in the first round, but if he falls to the Chargers in the second, it would be a great fit. Current Chargers center Trevor Robinson had an overall grade of 23.4 last season, the lowest for centers who started the entire year. He would be one of the few second-round picks you could pencil in for 1,000 or more snaps as a rookie.
Round 3 (66th overall)
There's a lot to like about Reed’s playmaking abilities, which makes him a good value in the third round. On paper, the Chargers are set at their top three cornerback spots, but with Jason Verrett’s injury history and Brandon Flower’s age, they need a fourth cornerback on the depth chart they can depend on to play outside. Ideally, Verrett stays healthy so Reed can adjust to facing NFL wide receivers.
Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State
The Chargers have two starting outside linebackers they like in Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu, but they could use additional depth at the position. Fackrell is an edge rusher that they could move around to get more creative with the defense, as well as put into coverage sometimes in the base defense or blitz packages.
Jerell Adams, TE, South Carolina
There is a chance Adams goes in the second round, but if he falls to the Chargers here, it would be a great value pick. With Ladarius Green gone, San Diego needs someone to complement Antonio Gates in the two-tight-end packages. He can be an effective run-blocker as San Diego tries to become a more run-oriented team, and has the receiving potential to also contribute in the passing game. He might not be the tight end you want replacing Gates when he retires, because he’s not as gifted as a receiver, but he would still be an asset to the offense.
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