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SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 1, Pick #16


No. 16

SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS

Pick by Bolts From the Blue

Rey Maualuga
Middle linebacker

Southern California

With this pick, we're halfway through the first round of the SB Nation mock draft. Now is when the picks get really interesting. Let's see how DaBolts from Bolts From the Blue breaks this one down.

The Chargers could go a number of ways this draft. LaDainian Tomlinson isn't getting any younger at running back, the right side of the offensive line was somewhat suspect as was safety Clinton Hart and inside linebacker Matt Wilhelm. San Diego also lost their defensive end Igor Olshansky to free agency.

At defensive end both Peria Jerry and Tyson Jackson are the most promising candidates, but Jerry is relatively old and better suited to a 4-3 system. Jackson has the reputation of having motivation issues and had a down season in 2007. At safety, Vontae Davis was a strong consideration, but I don't like having a cornerback/safety conversion project in the first round. Knowshon Moreno is the best running back in the draft, but his 40 time was slow and there appears to be some interesting prospects that should be available in the later rounds. The cream of the offensive tackles are off the board, which leaves Rey Maualuga as the best player available at a position of need.

Maualuga was a playmaker at USC and a big hitter. He excelled during the Senior Bowl, demonstrating an ability to go sideline-to-sideline. There are injury concerns, and he came up gimpy after running the 40 at the combine, but it is a risk worth taking. On the Chargers, he will team up with Shawne Merriman, Stephen Cooper and Shaun Phillips to make one of the better linebacking corps in the NFL. He will bring an ability to blitz from the inside, rarely seen last season, but should also be able to drop into coverage. A big hitter in the middle should do a lot to shore up a disappointing defensive squad from last season; especially when coupled with more aggressive play calling by Ron Rivera.

MTD thoughts: Excellent selection. For a few years, Wilhelm has been only a liability at a key position. In San Diego's defensive scheme, Maualuga would have every opportunity to become a star.

Mocking the Draft's Top Five Remaining Prospects - RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Vontae Davis, RB Chris Wells, QB Mark Sanchez

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments |

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Very solid pick for the Chargers. Man the fans would go nuts if that really happened.

I wonder how long the anti-quarterback anti-running back position of most SBers will coninue to manifest itself in this draft.

by math_geek on Mar 30, 2009 2:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Jets are up next

the definitely could be Sanchez, if not the Bucs are up in a bit. The RBs are falling because none of them have shown that they are worth that high of a pick. People have been talking about guys like Andre Brown and Rashad Jennings’ stock being up, but the whole RB class has just dropped and dropped all offseason.

I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter

by shake n bake on Mar 30, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, taking a RB is always an odd proposition early.

It’s not clear whether it’s worth it because the “replacement-level” RBs just seem a lot better than other replacement level players, but looking at Dan’s big board he has two running backs in his top five and a QB. Those of us who are fans of teams that are clearly not picking a QB or a RB in the first round, sort of look for those guys to get taken so that we can pick our optimal players.

by math_geek on Mar 30, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

it's a tough choice for me

I want the non-RBs I really like to drop to Indy, but I don’t want a run on RBs because I really like some of the 2nd-4th round guys (especially Andre Brown).

I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter

by shake n bake on Mar 30, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Imagine Maualuga lining up next to Merriman in San Diego. Very, very scary.

by Mocking Dan on Mar 30, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that was my thought...

lots of energy on that defense.

by Danno11 on Mar 30, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have been down on Rey-Rey a lot...

I think he is all flash and no substance. He is tailor-made for highlight reels but not the down and dirty stay in your lane stuff. In the attacking 3-4 he will be an excellent rush LB. This is the perfect fit for him IMO.

Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 30, 2009 9:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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