2013 DBN Mock Draft: San Diego Chargers Select Lane Johnson at No. 11

With the eleventh pick in the 2013 Dawgs By Nature NFL Community Mock Draft, the San Diego Chargers select...

Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

This selection and write-up was made by James Powell:

My approach to this pick is not, "What will Tom Telesco do?" but "What would I do if I were in Tom Telesco's place?" I'm a first-year general manager of an aging and somewhat under-performing team. My quarterback still has some years left, but he will only have more productive years left if I get him some protection. Drafting the best available offensive lineman seems like a no-brainer. And the truth is, it is a no-brainer. If there was an outstanding defensive player available, one who would transform my defense, I'd be tempted. But there isn't, so it's Lane Johnson.

Johnson is almost universally regarded as the third-best offensive tackle in this draft, but I don't feel like I'm settling. He may not be the best offensive tackle from this draft in this season or next, but I'm confident that seven years from now, he will be almost universally regarded as one of the best offensive tackles to come out of this draft.

Why? He's athletic, fast, and quick. He's very competitive -- he's got a mean streak and he doesn't like losing. I also have a penchant for guys who played multiple positions as they grew up, especially former high school quarterbacks. It helps the player to develop a knack for seeing the whole field, something all the best players at any position do. The most common concern about Johnson is that he is raw, but to me that means he isn't even close to his ceiling. Although he is not likely to play at the top level in his first year, he is still going to be better than Jared Gaither.

After not being able to retain offensive guard Louis Vasquez to the Denver Broncos, the Chargers definitely need to start addressing the offensive line. That starts with Johnson, who I agree as being a good fit right here.

The Miami Dolphins are up next, led by Weeden2Gordon.

2013 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)