2017 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers final draft grade

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) catches a touchdown against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers offensive lineman Forrest Lamp (76) celebrates his teams victory following the CUSA championship game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Forrest Lamp

Guard, Western Kentucky

The Chargers showed their hand to the world and this team is ready to compete with Philip Rivers while they have him. It speaks so clearly because they drafted two players who can come in right away and make impacts this season as starters.

Lamp is a former tackle, but his best spot in the NFL is at guard. With some thoughts that he can play center as well, the question becomes where exactly does he slot in? The first thought was right guard, then the team drafted a pure right guard in Dan Feeney a round later. Feeney could just be depth, but they may have a plan in place to start Feeney and Lamp at both of the guard spots and eventually move away from Orlando Franklin. Franklin was not necessarily great last season and while he is a veteran presence who can start while the two rookies adjust, it looks like versatility and depth on the offensive line have arrived.

Max Tuerk and Matt Slauson can compete at center, Franklin, Feeney, and Lamp can slot in at guard and Russell Okung and Joe Barksdale complete the line at tackle. For a team that suffered so many seasons changing injuries in the past two years, it looks like the depth at relied upon positions was the key to this draft and they hit that in each of their first two picks.

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