2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting Picks 11-21
By Baily Deeter
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Lane Johnson of Oklahoma (69) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl north squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
11. San Diego Chargers-Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Philip Rivers has never had a great offensive line, so it’s likely that the Chargers spend this pick trying to change that.
Johnson could definitely be off the board at this point, as offensive lineman will be highly coveted. It’s very unlikely that Johnson goes before Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M and Eric Fisher of Central Michigan, though, so he could be here. Rivers lost Louis Vasquez, who allowed just two of the 49 sacks the Chargers gave up, so the line is in dire need of an upgrade.
The secondary could be helped as well, but the offensive line is the biggest area of need. Rivers has shown flashes of potential but has also been inconsistent, and he could improve with protection. If Milliner is on the board and Johnson isn’t, he could be taken here to support star safety Eric Weddle. However, addressing the secondary can wait, but upgrading the offensive line cannot.