With the 18th pick in the 2012 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the San Diego Chargers select...

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

This selection and write-up was made by Adrock2099:

I was immediately set on picking Whitney Mercilus after selecting the Chargers since, as the New York Giants have shown us, there's no such thing as having too many pass rushers and this dude can definitely get to the quarterback. However, after doing some last minute (actual) research on team needs I found this quote from Chargers manager AJ Smith: "One position we've been looking at... Strong safety... The search is on for strong safety."

I think to just come out and say have they a need at a position like that means they're going to be looking for one pretty early in the draft. That got me thinking about taking someone like Mark Barron, who is considered the best safety coming out this year. Taking him in the middle of the first round, however, would be a big reach. So I ended up where I started with in a guy who I believe to be the best player available and a perfect fit for San Diego's style of defense. He broke Illinois' record for most sacks in a season, ending up with 16 of them to go along with 9 forced fumbles and 55 tackles, 22.5 for a loss. The only knock I could find on the guy is that he was a "one year wonder" type of player, but I think that the Chargers have enough depth at the position to make it worth the gamble. Also, with Peyton Manning under center for the Broncos, rushing the passer just became even more important for their chances of winning the division.

I'm at a loss for what the Chargers need to do. They've been a team built to do some damage for the past several years in the AFC, but overall, they have disappointed big time. Now, they have to contend with Peyton Manning and an improved Chiefs team in the division. Yikes. This is no indication of Mercilus, but I could see whoever San Diego picks here end up flopping.

The Chicago Bears are on the clock next (email will be sent to OrangeAndBrownFever).