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. Their primary target heading into this draft may be safety Jalen Ramsey after the exit of Eric Weddle, however, they could focus on DeForest Buckner or Joey Bosa since they will bring an immediate boost to the pass rush.
They could also surprise everyone and go defensive tackle here with A'Shawn Robinson, Andrew Billings, Robert Nkemdiche or Jarran Reed. Robinson or Billings would be the most likely, however, they may not want to draft a defensive tackle that high. This may be a need, but after signing defensive tackle Brandon Mebane in free agency, it is likely the Chargers will avoid defensive tackle for the first overall pick.
The Chargers could also surprise everyone and decide to sure up their secondary in the second round with the addition of safety Vonn Bell or Jeremy Cash (if they don't select Jalen Ramsey) who would help Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers, making 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 so soon.
The Chargers need to decide which players to target in each round as the decisions of the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns will likely dictate how this draft falls. With Robert Griffin III signing with the Cleveland Browns, they may look to get an offensive lineman.
The Titans may look to trade their No. 1 overall pick, and Laremy Tunsil could fall to San Diego. If that happens, Tunsil should be a Charger, and they will need to readjust their whole draft board. Either way, with such a high pick, San Diego has a chance to touch on the core needs of this roster.
The San Diego Chargers have some big decisions as we approach the 2016 NFL Draft. Here are HNGN's picks for the prospects most likely to end up with the Chargers.
1. 3rd overall: Jalen Ramsey (S)
Other possible selections: Joey Bosa (DL), Ronnie Stanley (OL) and DeForest Buckner (DL)
2. 4th (35th overall): Vadal Alexander (OL)
Other possible selections: Vonn Bell (S), Jeremy Cash (S), Hunter Henry (TE), Aldophus Washington (DL), Noah Spence (DL), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL) and Jonathan Bullard (DL)
3. 3rd (66th overall): Austin Hooper (TE)
Other possible selections: Nick Vannett (TE), Graham Glasgow (OL), Shawn Oakman (DL) and Bronson Kaufusil (DL)
4. 4th pick (102nd overall): Sheldon Day (DL)
Other possible selections: Jihad Ward (DL) and Matt Judon (DL)
5. 36th pick (175th overall): Denver Kirkland (OL)
Other possible selections: Kevin Taylor (RB)
