Are the San Diego Chargers gearing up for a surprise with the third-overall pick on Thursday night?
NFL Media columnist Michael Silver tweeted Tuesday that there is "some sense that the Chargers are considering" Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley at No. 3. The team is also in play for Mississippi bookend Laremy Tunsil, but Stanley's rise in recent weeks has been steady.
"While it has been generally assumed that Laremy Tunsil is the draft's top tackle," Silver wrote, "I've talked to several (general managers) who have Ronnie Stanley higher."
The MMQB's Peter King is hearing the same, noting that Stanley "might be in the process of passing Tunsil on a few draft boards around the league."
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco acknowledged Friday that his phone quieted after watching the Rams and Eagles seize the No. 1 and No. 2 selections, respectively. If they stay home at No. 3, both Stanley and Tunsil would make plenty of sense for a team committed to improving its offensive line.
If they pass on a blocker, selecting the uber-talented Jalen Ramsey out of Florida State would help turn San Diego's defensive backfield into a strength on paper. With the quarterbacks a lock to go with the first two picks, the Chargers are a big winner in this draft, with the clear-cut opportunity to pick the top player on their board.
Still, keep an eye out for Tennessee. "I believe the Titans will explore trading up for one of the tackles," Silver wrote, noting that Michigan State's Jack Conklin might also be in play for the Titans, depending on where they pick.
