Second-round options

Derek Wolfe could be enticing in Round 2

A few "reaches" were made in the first round of the NFL draft tonight. As a result, with the 49th overall selection in the second round tomorrow night, the San Diego Chargers could very well pick a player who was expected to be taken much earlier.

The Chargers could find themselves in great position to pick a quality offensive lineman. Stanford's Jonathan Martin, Ohio State's Mike Adams, and Ole Miss's Bobby Massie are all offensive tackles who could be enticing for San Diego general manager A.J. Smith if any of them should fall to the Chargers in Round 2. The same is true for Wisconsin's Peter Konz and Georgia's Cordy Glenn, either of whom could be a replacement for the recently-retired Kris Dielman at left guard.

After taking South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram in the first round tonight, it's unlikely San Diego will pick another pass-rusher tomorrow. If they are interested, however, Clemson's Andre Branch, Alabama's Courtney Upshaw, and Marshall's Vinny Curry have all been considered first-round prospects at some point over the last few months.

There are still a bunch of defensive line prospects who could help the Chargers. If Smith is looking for a defensive end for San Diego's 3-4 scheme, Penn State's Devon Still, Cincinnati's Derek Wolfe, or Nebraska's Jared Crick would be a good fit. For nose tackle, Michigan State's Jerel Worthy and Clemson's Brandon Thompson appear to be the best big men who haven't been picked yet.

If Smith wants a cornerback, North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins, formerly a Florida Gator, could be tempting should he fall that far. There are some who believe Jenkins is actually the best cornerback in this draft, even better than LSU's Morris Claiborne, who was selected sisth overall by the Dallas Cowboys. Jenkins wasn't picked in the first round simply because of character concerns stemming from drug-related arrests and the fact that he has fathered four children with three women. He's less of a risk in the second round, though.

The one thing Smith should not do is reach for a safety in the second round. Boise State's George Iloka and LSU's Brandon Taylor are expected to be selected in Round 3. South Carolina's Antonio Allen is projected to go even later, on Day 3 of the draft.

If it were up to me, I would take Massie, Wolfe, Konz, or Glenn with the 49th overall pick. Massie could be the replacement for the inept Jeromey Clary at right tackle. As I've already mentioned, Konz or Glenn could fill the hole at left guard. Wolfe would add much needed depth and a pass-rushing element at the defensive end spot.

I also wouldn't be displeased with Jenkins in Round 2.