Fansided

NFL mock draft: SEC stars get moved around

By John Buhler

Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Melvin Ingram

Edge, South Carolina Gamecocks

Given that they’ve payed all that money to him with the 2017 franchise tag and now a long-term deal, there is zero chance that the Los Angeles Chargers will let one of the premier pass rushers go in this 2018 SEC redistribution draft.

Los Angeles caught two breaks in fact. Not only is Justin Houston no longer making life difficult for Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in the AFC West, but Los Angeles is in prime position to stake its claim in pass rusher Melvin Ingram at No. 16.

After floundering his first three years in the NFL out of South Carolina, Ingram has become one of the better pass rushers in a division chock full of him. Bringing him back into the fold will only make Joey Bosa better and vice versa. Los Angeles is dangerously close to breaking through, but playing in the brutal AFC West is simply a football gauntlet that shows no mercy.

Again, the Chargers finished in last in the AFC west, but they finished around .500 in 2017. This team is making progress and it doesn’t want to lose an integral piece on its defense in the process. Bringing back Ingram was an easy choice for the Chargers to make at No. 16.

It’s getting better all the time, but Andrew Luck still needs some help. The Indianapolis Colts are now on the clock…

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