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NFL mock draft: Don’t mess with Texas

By Brad Weiss

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates after breaking up a pass play in the fourth quarter in a game against the Buffalo Bills at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates after breaking up a pass play in the fourth quarter in a game against the Buffalo Bills at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Earl Thomas

Safety, Orange, Texas

The Los Angeles Chargers were exciting during their first season in La La Land, nearly finishing the year over .500. Like they always do, the Bolts lost some close games late, proving that it does not matter what city they play in, they can always find a way to lose. However, Philip Rivers appears to have found the fountain of youth, and with the Broncos and Chiefs losing some key players in this draft, they could be a contender in the AFC West in 2018.

With the No. 13 overall pick, the Chargers drafted a player that makes them extremely better in the secondary the second he puts the team’s jersey on. Earl Thomas will be the best safety this organization has seen since Eric Weddle, and they need him if they are going to stop Derek Carr and company next season. Los Angeles can put up points with anybody, but their defense proved to be very beatable during the 2017 campaign.

During the 2017 NFL Draft, the Chargers drafted star cornerback Desmond King out of Iowa, who they plan to move to a safety spot. He is more suited to be a free safety, which would clear the way for Thomas to come in and be that hard-hitting strong safety every team needs in today’s NFL. He nearly led the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl in 2017, and the Legion of Boom will certainly miss him in 2018.

If Jason Verrett can finally stay healthy, this Chargers secondary could be one of the better units in the AFC West in 2018. Thomas not only brings leadership on the field, but he is going to help the younger players with his preparation for the games. The Bolts just got a lot better on defense.

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