Chargers news: Familiar face drafted in Mel Kiper’s second mock draft
By Jason Reed
Mel Kiper recently released his second 2018 NFL Mock Draft. In the latest Chargers news, Kiper had LA selecting the same player as his first draft.
Mel Kiper released his second mock draft for the 2018 NFL Draft with some tweaks. One of the biggest changes was UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen falling out of the top ten. In terms of Los Angeles Chargers news, Kiper did not change his stance on who LA should draft with the 19th overall pick.
If you do want to view the entire mock draft, you can read it behind a paywall here.
Kiper has the Chargers drafting Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne, the same selection that he gave the Chargers in his first Mock Draft in January.
Selected a defensive tackle seems to be the Chargers’ most likely route in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite having a stellar pass-rush, the Chargers struggled against the run last season.
In large part that was due to the play at defensive tackle and linebacker. Heading into 2018, the Chargers are going to need to add a big-bodied, run plug in the middle of the line. Corey Liuget is good, but Brandon Mebane definitely can be improved upon.
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Thus, it makes sense why Kiper would stick to his guns and continue to tout Payne as the Chargers’ future draft pick. Payne is the second-best defensive tackle in the draft, according to Walter Football and was Alabama’s best run-stopping tackle last year.
Payne is not going to be great at getting to the passer in the NFL, but he does not need to be. There will be pressure taken off of his shoulders with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram on the outside. With offenses focusing on those two, Payne will be better at rushing the passer in LA than he would be anywhere else.
Thus, Payne looks to be an all-around great choice for the Chargers with the 19th overall pick. Adding a run-stopper in the middle is going to allow the Chargers to challenge the Eagles for the best defensive line in football.
Next: Ask the Expert: Chargers off-season
If Payne is not available, Maurice Hurst becomes the next most intriguing option. Regardless, expect Chargers news of the team drafting a defensive tackle out of the first round come April.