NFL

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round

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7. Chargers: Jamal Adams, Safety

Top Needs: IOL, OT, ILB, S

The Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers will look to maintain their 10th-best and 11th-highest ranks in Adjusted Defensive Passing and Rushing NEP per play from last year by selecting a big-time safety in LSU’s Jamal Adams.

Adams is inarguably one of the best, most versatile players in this class. He can play as a deep centerfielder, a run-stopping linebacker, or a press-heavy nickel corner. Adams marshals his fellow defenders into the right places, reads opponents’ play patterns, and has a propensity to break the action up at just the right time.

Adams racked up 76 tackles (including 7.5 stuffs), a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in 11 games this year, and has achieved at least 60 tackles, 5.0 stuffs, and 4.0 passes defended every season in college. I’ve heard Adams compared to a more in-control Troy Polamalu.