2016 NFL Mock Draft: February edition

3rd Pick – San Diego Chargers (4-12)
Noah Spence – OLB/DE
Eastern Kentucky – Redshirt Junior
6-3, 254 Pounds

For those wondering how a troublemaker like Noah Spence made it onto my top-5, let me go ahead and dispar the negativity that comes into play against Spence. Spence was busted for ecstacy, right? Well, ever since his redshirt sophomore year started with Eastern Kentucky, Spence has made an effort to take multiple (let me remind you it was voluntary) drug tests, where he would do at least three during the year. Spence really made it on to the scene with dominating performances during his redshirt junior year, and during the Senior Bowl.

Spence isn’t going to be let off that easy, he will need to be monitered every week, especially with such a high selection being used on Spence. The San Diego Chargers are a team that could use a lot more help at containing the quarterback and running lanes. Some would say “John, why would you not put Joey Bosa here?”, because random fan, Spence is going to be a very high selection because of his Lawrence Taylor-esque play.

So many would love to say that Spence doesn’t belong here with San Diego, to that I mention that Spence has been generally a defensive end most, if not all, of his career. Spence gains a little bit (like 10-15 pounds) weight, then there will be no reason why the Chargers don’t become a dominant defense. Spence has great leverage, shows great burst off the line of scrimmage, and seems to bully offensive lineman. He is an instant impact for a team needing it, and Spence probably becomes my early defensive player of the year too. Also, you saw how great the Broncos defense is, the Chargers need to get on that level if they want to contend for the playoffs.

Player Comparison: Aldon Smith – Oakland Raiders

Next: The Cowboys are on the clock