The vast majority of draft talk naturally revolves around a team's first round picks.
Few know draft prospects as intimately as Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo, and he had plenty to say about who the Chargers should take 17th overall.
Right off the bat, he says the Bolts should look to add to the offensive line even though they gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL a year ago.
"I think you've got to still look at offensive line," he said. "So if some of those tackles are available like Mike McGlinchey, Connor Williams or Orlando Brown, I think they are all in the mix."
However, Palazzolo believes the Chargers are more likely to add to the defense at 17th overall.
"I think these linebackers are interesting for them. As much as the defense took great strides last year, if there is a Roquan Smith or Tremaine Edmunds available, that's (a no brainer). Leighton Vander Esch could also be consideration out of Boise State. Just adding a three-down linebacker to the mix I think would be extremely valuable for this team. And then also the defensive interior. I don't know if there is a classic mid-first round guy that would be there from a value standpoint. Maybe a Vita Vea will be there, who is a 340-pound player who can push the pocket. My question is if he can rush the passer enough to justify the 17th overall pick. I think he can, but there is a little bit of risk there."
Perhaps more interesting was the number of midround gems Palazzolo mentioned who he believes would be perfect fits for the Bolts. To that end, he rattled of a ton of sleepers Chargers fans should get to know.
"The first thing that comes to mind is with a Gus Bradley defense is someone like Damon Webb, who is a free safety from Ohio State who is a pure free safety who fits the single-high (spot) that the Chargers play. This guy has got really good movement skills and takes good angles. I hate using Earl Thomas comparisons, but he's an Earl Thomas-type. Or a Malik Hooker-type of player, his former teammate. So he really fits the scheme."
Bowen also thinks there is good value in the middle rounds that fit the Bolts' needs along the defensive interior and at linebacker.
"Those defensive interior guys are there," he said. "You have Derrick Nnadi, a defensive tackle out of Florida State who is really a sort of run-first player, but if you are just looking for those big bodies up front, I think there is plenty of value there. Linebacker-wise, there's a guy like Stacy Thomas out of Louisville who is more a midround guy who Is a good fit for linebacker depth."
As far as what the Bolts may have to say, GM Tom Telesco and Head Coach Anthony Lynn will address the media Thursday morning. We'll have live coverage of their press conference beginning at 8:00am PT on Facebook, Twitter, our app and Chargers.com.
Take an exclusive look at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
