San Diego Chargers: 5 Potential 2016 NFL Draft First-Round Targets

The San Diego Chargers are entering the 2016 NFL Draft with the No. 3 overall pick. It is a pick that could help change the future of the Chargers’ franchise, and there are a lot of options for them. They could take one of the top available players in the draft class, or there is a chance that they could end up trading the pick and acquiring other assets.

Philip Rivers doesn’t have much time left playing in his prime to help lead the Chargers back to the playoffs. San Diego has to figure out how to pick up an impact player in the first round.

San Diego has quite a few needs on both sides of the football, but they will more than likely choose to address the defensive side of the ball. They could consider bringing in another weapon for Rivers and the offense, but the bigger need is adding defensive help. It has been a while since the Chargers were a feared team in the AFC, but they can get back there quickly with the right moves.

Looking ahead at the NFL Draft, it is never too early to begin discussing who a team could target to address their needs.

All of that being said, which five players could be first-round targets for the San Diego Chargers in the 2016 NFL Draft?

Jalen Ramsey, Defensive Back, Florida State Seminoles

Perhaps the most obvious fit for the Chargers would be to bring in defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Last season with the Seminoles, Ramsey ended up recording 52 tackles, a sack, and nine defensed passes. He may not be a major playmaker in the secondary, but he is a very solid all-around player and has a tremendous amount of potential to work his way into.

Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Ohio State Buckeyes

Another good fit on the defensive side of the football would be Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa. He showed flashes of star potential last season with the Buckeyes, racking up 51 tackles, five sacks, an interception, four defensed passes, and a forced fumble. Those numbers were impressive, to say the least, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see San Diego strongly consider selecting him.

Shaq Lawson, Defensive End, Clemson Tigers

If the Chargers do decide to go with a defensive lineman, then Clemson’s Shaq Lawson could come into play. Bosa is one option, but many view Lawson as being an even better talent from a long-term perspective. Lawson finished the 2015 season with the Tigers with 59 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, which gives NFL teams hope that he will end up being a top-notch pass rusher.

Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss Rebels

San Diego also needs to bring in more protection for Rivers this offseason, which is where Laremy Tunsil could come into play. It is likely that the Chargers would have to trade up in order to get him, but that wouldn’t be too terribly difficult. Tunsil would fit perfectly into the San Diego offensive line and would make an immediate impact.

Vernon Hargreaves III, Defensive Back, Florida Gators

There are plenty of talented defensive backs in the draft and Vernon Hargreaves III is one of the players who will likely go early in the first round. San Diego likely won’t reach for him at No. 3, but they could trade back a few picks and still snag him. Hargreaves projects to be a legitimate No. 1 cornerback at the next level, and that is a position San Diego could use some help at.

Overall, there are plenty of intriguing options for the Chargers and players who could help them immediately. There is a very good chance that they will get a player with the No. 3 pick that will earn a role immediately. San Diego is going to be one of the more entertaining teams to follow in the draft, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them working the trade lines.

Who do you think the San Diego Chargers should take with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft? Do you think one of these five players would be a good fit?

[Photo by Gregory Payan/AP Images]