2011 SBNAZ Mock Draft: The San Diego Chargers Pick Up Protection For Phillip Rivers

By Jess Root Apr 7, 2011, 10:55am MST

The San Diego Chargers now make their selection for the mock draft. After years of dominating the AFC West, the team's slow starts finally bit them in the behind. Phillip Rivers and company do not want this to happen again. Honestly, statistically they still should have won the division.

For a team that has so much talent, they do have some needs. They could use some help on the defensive front and in the defensive backfield, to prepare for age and to provide depth in general. There is a little uncertainty iwth players and their contracts on the offensive line.

For the 18th pick in the NFL Draft,the Chargers select:

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Just when you thought that Phillip Rivers was not dangerous enough, San Diego goes and drafts a physical specimen at 6-8. 319 lbs to help protect him. With the labor situation, there is some uncertainty as to whether Jeromey Clary re-signs with the team. Solder will either create depth (whether he starts this year or not) or will fill a hole. Solder has the versatility to be able to move around on the line if needed. Look out, AFC West.

Tomorrow's pick will be the New York Giants. I will be picking for them.

Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting.

2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:

1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)

2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)

3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)

4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)

5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)

6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)

7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)

8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)

9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)