More than 300 prospects have just arrived to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Over the next week the 327 youngsters will partake in several enduring workouts and undergo intense mental acuity tests, both of which will play a factor in the prospects’ stocks rising or falling during what may be the most scrutinized mockery of a job interview.
A few days ago Sports Illustrated draft expert Tony Pauline rated his top 50 prospects before the workouts began. The following list includes players I feel the San Diego Chargers should seriously consider drafting in April.
7. Riley Reiff, T, Iowa* -- Reiff is a tremendous pass-blocking left tackle, though many scouts think he could shift to the right side. He possesses the footwork, body type and wherewithal to break into a starting lineup early into his rookie career.
10. Melvin Ingram, DL-OLB, South Carolina -- Few defensive prospects raised their game and draft stock as Ingram did last season. He's a playmaker who stands out in almost every aspect of the defense, with his ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage or out to the flanks.
11. David DeCastro, G, Stanford -- Andrew Luck's top blocker has been the dominant force on Stanford's offensive line the past two seasons. He's rightfully being compared to All Pro Steve Hutchinson and offers potential in a variety of NFL blocking schemes.
15. Courtney Upshaw, DE-OLB, Alabama -- Upshaw was the feared pass-rusher in Alabama's suffocating defense, and scouts expect much the same from him at the next level. The lingering question is which position will Upshaw play at the next level, outside linebacker or defensive end? Or both?
17. Mike Adams, T, Ohio State -- Adams returned to the Buckeye lineup after missing seven games last season due to suspension, then played inspired football. He's a terrific pass-protector at 330 pounds, with the strength to overwhelm defenders while run blocking.
20. Nick Perry, DE-OLB, USC* -- The Trojan underclassman is a pass-rushing terror who combines quickness and speed to harass opposing quarterbacks. He offers tremendous potential and can stand up over tackle or be used out of a three-point stance.
23. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin* -- Konz is the best center prospect in the draft since Nick Mangold was selected in the first round in 2006. He's powerful at the point of attack as an in-line blocker and takes defenders from the action blocking on the move.
24. Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama* -- A force in the middle of the Tide's defense, Hightower is a dominant run defender who controls the action in the box. He quickly makes waste of blockers and stop ball-carriers dead in their tracks. More of a two-down defender, Hightower can be a liability in coverage.
25. Mark Barron, S, Alabama -- Barron performed brilliantly as a senior at Alabama after a tough campaign in 2010. He's a dominant run defender who does not get enough credit for his coverage skills. Recent hernia surgery will set Barron back, but he'll quickly produce in the NFL once at full health.
28. Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia -- Glenn has been an impressive offensive line prospect scouts have watched the past three years, and he continues to improve his game. He's a big-bodied lineman who excels as a pass-protector and run-blocker. The ability to line up at right tackle or offensive guard further enhances Glenn's attractiveness to NFL teams.
31. Vinny Curry, DE-OLB, Marshall -- Curry harassed quarterbacks for three years playing at Marshall and is one of the best pass-rushers in this draft. He's athletic, fluid and exceptionally quick. Whether Curry lines up at outside linebacker or defensive end all depends on how fast he runs at the Combine.
32. Whitney Mercilus, DE-OLB, Illinois* -- Mercilus is yet another pass-rusher who graces the top part of the draft. He came out of nowhere in 2011 and was omnipresent behind the line of scrimmage. He's another prospect who projects to multiple positions in the defense.
42. Andre Branch, DE-OLB, Clemson -- Branch is the next in a long line of athletic pass-rushers who have come from the Clemson program. He forcefully makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and easily chases the action in pursuit. Like many of his predecessors from the school, many question his every-down intensity.
50. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State* -- Burfict, once considered a top-10 selection, has taken a big tumble down draft boards. He's a dominant defender at the top of his game, but Burfict was plagued with inconsistency, poor decision-making and a lack of maturity much of last season.
Some thoughts I had after reading over the list:
1. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith might be wise to trade down in the first round and acquire an additional second-round pick. My logic behind such a move is there’s a possibility he could select an offensive lineman or pass-rusher in the latter part of the first round, and then use the two second-rounders on other positions of need. It would be nice to get Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams in the first and Clemson defensive end Andre Branch and Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the second.
2. It’s somewhat surprising to see South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram rated so high. I have concerns about him making a smooth transition to outside linebacker in a scheme such as San Diego’s, so I wouldn’t mind seeing him being selected in the top 15.
3. It appears Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff is well out of the Chargers’ reach. His stock is rising so high he may even go in the top five. That’s too bad, as he’d be the ideal fit at right tackle for the Chargers.
4. I’m beginning to really like USC defensive end Nick Perry a lot, as he seems to be an ascending talent with a very high upside. He’s one of the top guys I’ll be focusing on over the next few months. As of right now he appears to be a realistic option for San Diego’s 18th overall pick in the first round.
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