We're over half way through our staff mock draft and so far no big surprises. We've had a few mock drafters comment that they would rather trade down from their picks than make a selection, and come draft day, there's a good chance that those teams would do that. Those WCG writers are smart bunch. Next up is Steve Ronkowski and...
With the 18th pick in the Windy City Gridiron Staff Mock Draft, the San Diego Chargers take...
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA - And here's what Steve had to say about his choice:The Chargers, despite their consistent problem of - well - consistency, seem to have a pretty solid core of players. Franchise QB, solid running backs, competent WRs, and passable line play. But after a 9-7 season where they lost to the Raiders twice, Norv & Co. have to find ways to slow down opposing teams: it doesn't look good when you give up an average of 4.5 touchdowns a game to your in-state rival. While some people have the Chargers taking a DE in the first, I'm thinking that between the inevitable run on linemen and having the Chiefs eying up OLBs three picks below them that they'll go with Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA.
Ayers is the prototypical athlete for a 3-4 OLB. He managed to get 4 sacks, 10 tackles for losses, an INT, and 68 tackles last season, which made him UCLA's defensive MVP and got him third place in the vote for the Butkus award. Between his ability to knock the ball loose, his ball hawking skills, and his tackling ability, Ayers would give the Chargers a much-needed defensive boost. The Chargers also get bonus points for taking a SoCal player.
On the clock next making the selection for the G-Men is David Taylor...
And if you've missed any of our picks so far, we've got them all nice and tidy in chart form right here. Chart work courtesy of the above mentioned Mr. Taylor.