The Los Angeles Chargers keep their evaluations close to the vest, evidenced in last year’s top secret targeting of Joey Bosa.
But while the Bolts never tip their hand on prospects, pundits nonetheless have weighed in on whom they believe the Chargers may pick.
With that in mind, here are seven players to keep an eye on at this year's Combine who experts believe may be targets for the seventh overall pick.
1. S Jamal Adams – Considered one of the top all-around safeties to come out of college football in recent years, the LSU star is fresh off an impressive junior campaign in which he was named a first-team All-American. Adams followed up a strong sophomore season in which he totaled 67 tackles, four interceptions and six passes defensed by notching 76 tackles, one interception and four passes defensed in 2016. In addition to his coverage skills and ability to patrol the secondary, he is a physical tackler who excels against the run. Many laud Adams for his exceptional leadership qualities, and his overall skillset has drawn comparisons to Giants' Pro Bowler Landon Collins and Cowboys' legend Darren Woodson.
2. DE Taco Charlton– A prototypical 4-3 defensive end, Charlton broke out last season at Michigan. After serving as a rotational lineman his first two seasons, he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after leading the Wolverines with 9.5 sacks. Charlton combines freakish athletic gifts with a commanding presence, projected at 6-6, 272-pounds. Still raw, the defensive end is a prospect on the rise who figures to get a lot of attention in Indianapolis.
3. WR Corey Davis – A four-year starter at Western Michigan, the 6-3, 213-pound wideout became college football's all-time leader with 5,285 yards last season. He also was named the 2016 Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American after catching 97 passes for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior. Davis finished his collegiate career with 332 catches, 5,285 yards and 52 TDs. An exceptional route-runner with great ball skills, his production in the red zone also sets him apart which is why some believe he may be the first wide receiver selected in the draft.
4. S Malik Hooker – No prospect has been associated more with the Chargers in mock drafts than the rangy Ohio State ball hawk. Last season was the safety's first as a starter, and he finished tied for second in college football with seven interceptions. Hooker earned first-team All-American and Big-Ten honors by also totaling 74 tackles and 11 passes defensed. Unfortunately, he won't work out at the Combine after undergoing surgery on a hernia and his labrum.
5. T Ryan Ramcyzk– Ramczyk is another player who won't take the field in Indianapolis following offseason surgery. The tackle burst onto the scene last year for Wisconsin in his only year of FBS football after transferring from Division III's UW-Stevens Point in 2015. He sat out that year before breaking out in 2016, starting every game at left tackle for the Badgers. The 6-6, 314-pounder earned first-team All-Big Ten and AP All-American honors as he excelled in pass protection and run blocking. His overall skillset has drawn comparisons to the Patriots' Nate Solder and 49ers' Joe Staley.
6. DE Solomon Thomas – The Stanford star was a force in 2016, winning the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12's Defensive Player of the Year as a redshirt sophomore. Thomas paced the Cardinal with 61 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and notched eight sacks. He also earned a lot of praise for his ability to impact the game in ways that don't show up on the scoresheet. Thomas went out with a bang in his final game, earning MVP honors in the Sun Bowl after leading Stanford over North Carolina with multiple pressures, two tackles for loss and a sack. His stock is on the rise for his ability to dominate as either a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive end.
7. WR Mike Williams – A big target at 6-3, 225-pounds, Williams is one of the draft's flashiest players. The Clemson wideout bounced back from a serious neck injury in 2015 to dominate last season. He was a first-team All-ACC pick after catching 98 passes for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns, leading the Tigers to the national title. Williams put on a show in the National Championship Game, catching eight passes for 94 yards and one touchdown to lead Clemson over Alabama.
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above represent those of individual authors and do not represent the opinions or policies of the Chargers' organization, front office staff, coaches and executives.
