Chargers Draft Rumors: Second Round Targets After Selecting Mike Williams
By Jason Reed
Forrest Lamp – Guard, Western Kentucky
Should lineman Forrest Lamp fall to the 39th overall selection, there should not be a question in Dean Spanos’ mind to pick him up. The Chargers are in need of an offensive lineman, especially after releasing the likes of D.J. Fluker and King Dunlap. The team did bring in left tackle Russell Okung, which is a huge step in the right direction but is not enough.
Lamp was widely regarded as a first-round caliber selection in this year’s draft, yet no team decided to call his name with the first 32 selections. Receiving the joint highest combine rating from NFL.com with 32nd overall pick Ryan Ramcyzk, it is apparent that Lamp is the best offensive line talent left in the draft.
The popular consensus, as you can see by this mock draft, was that the Los Angeles Chargers would select the likes of Garrett Bolles with their second round pick. Lamp was not expected to last past the first, and with Bolles being selected 20th overall by the Broncos, it boils down to one choice.
The Chargers need a guy on the line that can step up on day one and be a constant contributor, and after Lamp, there are no guys of this caliber. Sure, they can find a starting level replacement, but not to the likes of Lamp.
If Forrest Lamp falls into the Chargers hand there should be no doubt on who they are selecting. The tackle, who fits better as a guard in the NFL, would give Rivers the much-needed protection he deserves.