The San Diego Chargers desperately need to build some form of pass rush in 2016. Their best chance of doing that comes through the draft, where there are numerous playmaking defensive linemen. Picking third overall, though, represents an interesting challenge: how can you pick the best player on your draft board when they are all still there?
The Chargers' primary needs lie with the defensive line, but you could add safety after the exit of Eric Weddle, wide receiver and the offensive line. Weddle was one of the primary team captains, which is just not a player that you can replace. Do you select a player that will help you compete right now, or do you select a player that you can build a winning franchise around? It will be a tough question to answer as the stagnant Chargers look to fill up some of these roster holes.
San Siego is unlikely to win the Super Bowl just from one draft, so it would be feasible to see the team attempt to improve this passing game by selecting a wide receiver in the second round. The Chargers picked up free agent wide receiver Travis Benjamin, and this will allow them to be flexible, but they should not rely on just one receiver to improve this passing game. Braxton Miller or Corey Coleman could be reasonable selections in the second round.
They could also surprise everyone and go defensive tackle here with A'Shawn Robinson, Andrew Billings, Robert Nkemdiche or Jarran Reed. This may be a need, but after signing defensive tackle Brandon Mebane in free agency, it is likely that the Chargers will avoid defensive tackle for the first overall pick. This draft class is deep with defensive linemen, so they could wait until the second round to bolster this line. With Laremy Tunsil likely to be selected by the time the Chargers pick, they should attempt to select a first-round ranked offensive lineman such as Ronnie Stanley or Taylor Decker, who could be the first key in rebuilding this offensive line.
The Chargers could also surprise everyone and decide to change up their secondary with the addition of free safety Jalen Ramsey, who would help Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers make this one of the stingiest defensive backfields in the league, but after signing both cornerback Casey Hayward and safety Dwight Lowery in free agency, the Chargers will most likely avoid taking a cornerback or free safety in the first round. Whoever they select, the Chargers need to absolutely make sure that they bring on an impact player that can help this team deep into the future.
