Expect the unexpected from A.J. Smith

Given San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith's recent history, nobody should be surprised by anything he does during the NFL draft. Over the last five years Smith has made several draft experts shake their heads, particularly with his selections of wide receiver Buster Davis (2007 first round), fullback Jacob Hester (2008 third round), outside linebacker Larry English (2009 first round), and inside linebacker Jonas Mouton (2011 second round).

With his derriere currently on the hot seat, however, one has to think Smith will make safer picks in this month's draft. Yet, one can never know for sure, so it would be wise for all Chargers fans to prepare themselves for another shocker when the team's premium selections are announced.

While thinking about this the other day, the first player to pop into my mind was Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith. Rated the second-best strong safety prospect in this class, picking Harrison Smith in the first round would essentially take care of one of San Diego's biggest needs, being the team hasn't had a fierce player at the position since Rodney Harrison departed following the the 2003 season. But even though he's not worthy of a first-round selection, I've been preparing myself for Harrison Smith at pick #18 for over a month now, as there have been several published reports written about how he is the apple of A.J. Smith's eye.

Another prospect has caught my attention recently, a player many had originally projected would be chosen late in the second round. This individual can now be seen in the first round of a few mock drafts on the internet, and ESPN's Mel Kiper said the prospect is worthy of going that early.

Warning to all San Diego Chargers fans: Don't be stunned if A.J. Smith selects Boise State defensive end Shea McClellin with the 18th overall pick in Round 1.

McClellin is an intriguing talent who was fairly productive in college. He amassed 19.5 sacks over four years with the Broncos, 15.5 of which came during his junior and senior seasons. He also finished with 32 tackles for losses, 25 of which were made over his final two years at Boise State. The most common comparison made with him is Brooks Reed, a 2011 second-round pick of the Houston Texans. Much like McClellin, Reed posted good, not great, numbers during his college career at Arizona State, and his stock rose significantly during the mock draft season, with many believing he was going to sneak into the first round. He ended up getting selected 42nd overall and recorded six sacks during his rookie year.

Most Chargers fans will state they want either USC's Nick Perry or Illinois' Whitney Mercilus if A.J. Smith decides to pick a pass-rusher in the first round. Some will mention Marshall's Vinny Curry or Alabama's Courtney Upshaw. And there are still a few who actually think South Carolina's Melvin Ingram is a possibility, even though he's not going to last to the 18th overall pick. If any Chargers fan has stated he or she wants McClellin in Round 1, that individual hasn't said it loud enough.

Still, McClellin is the clean-cut, hardworking type of player A.J. Smith covets in a youngster. There's also very little chance McClellin will fail in the NFL, he appears to be an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme such as the one the Chargers employ, and he's not inadequate from an athleticism standpoint. But the key question is: Does he possess the upside that Mercilus, Perry, or the other pass-rushers are believed to have? Most don't think the Boise State product does, which is why it seems ludicrous for A.J. Smith to use San Diego's first-round pick on him. Ludicrous seems to be the norm in Chargers Land these days, however, so fans of the Lightning Bolts should expect the unexpected a week-and-a-half from now.