2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0: Free Agency Week Edition

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (78) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame. Ronnie Stanley. 3. player. 13. . OT

While Laremy Tunsil didn’t do anything to hurt himself in this year’s combine, Ronnie Stanley from Notre Dame did a lot to improve his already high draft stock.

The “Golden Domer” showed everything an NFL franchise wants in an offensive tackle, and even has some people speculating his performance makes Tunsil’s decision to sit out some events a mistake.

More from The Pewter Plank

Philip Rivers isn’t getting any younger, and if the Chargers hope to reach the pinnacle during his career, they need to board up the screen door standing between him and opposing pass rushes.  Rivers was hit and harassed way too often in 2015, and the running game had minimal effectiveness.

Adding Stanley won’t immediately make the Chargers contenders in the AFC West, but it will keep Rivers on his feet, and give 2nd year running back Melvin Gordon a little more room to work with.

San Diego has needs in the defense as well as on the offensive line, but with the substantially better depth in this year’s defensive draft class, the Chargers would be wise to take one of just a few offensive tackle prospects who look like starters even before they get into camp.

If Tunsil is 1, then Stanley is 1a, and the Chargers have a chance at taking a top pick prospect at #3.

Previously:  Jalen Ramsey – CB – Florida State

Next: 4. Dallas Cowboys