BTB Community Mock: San Diego Finds A Backer, Chicago Pushes While Tennessee, Cincy Go BPA

We're still plugging along, racing the clock to get all 32 picks in before Thursday's start to the NFL draft. We have four teams in on this article, so we'll keep it short and sweet. Our assigned GM's for San Diego and Chicago put their work in and responded to the call, while the GM's for Tennessee and Cincy went missing in action and were replaced by the BTB Committee of One (me).

Despite their lofty reputation, San Diego has been mired in mediocrity for the last two years, but somehow Norv Tuner and GM AJ Smith have survived despite the disappointment. Chicago on the other hand suffered debilitating injuries to both it's quarterback and running back after a fast start and are expected to make big waves moving forward.

Let's head to the podium to hear from their assigned GMs. At the end of the exercise, we'll reveal the Tennessee and Cincinnati selections.

Draft Pick # 18

Team Name: San Diego Chargers

GM: Matt575

Selection: (LB) Don'ta Hightower

Draft Pick # 19

Team Name: Chicago Bears

GM: Hookem Up

Selection: (OT) Jonathan Martin

Follow the jump for the pick justifications, team needs and player profile tables.

Draft Pick # 18

Team Name: San Diego Chargers

GM: Matt575

Selection: (LB) Don'ta Hightower

In an ideal world, Mark Barron would be available here at the 18^th pick to pair with Eric Weddle, which would immediately give the Chargers one of, if not the most dynamic safety duo in today's NFL. With Barron gone to the Jets, the Bolts would have loved if a premier pass rusher at either the outside linebacker position or defensive line were available. Alas, the 18^th pick has rolled around and all of the elite pass rushers and the one elite safety in this year's draft are off the board.

When evaluating needs, the only other pressing need that comes to mind for the Chargers is offensive guard to replace the recently retired Kris Dielman. However, GM A.J. Smith has never selected an offensive lineman in the first round, and I expect that trend to continue in this year's draft.

Without the option of trading back, the Chargers stand their ground and select inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower. While the Chargers have one dynamic sideline to sideline backer in the young Donald Butler, the run-stopping Takeo Spikes is entering his 15^th season and is starting to show his age. Beyond that, he is entering the second year of a three year contract, with only the first year of the deal guaranteed.

Hightower led the Alabama Crimson Tide to the NCAA National Championship last season as both an inside linebacker and an edge rusher in sub packages. His physical style and build should allow him to learn from and share snaps with Spikes this season until taking over for him next season.

--Matt575

HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS according to Drafttek.com

-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Right Tackle,

-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): 34 OLB, SS, CB, Guard, COP Back, Feature Receiver, Center, Left Tackle, 34 DE, 34DT, 34 SILB

-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): Quarterback, Feature Back, Possession Receiver, Slot Receiver, Tight End, Free Safety

-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): 34 Will Backer

Draft Pick # 19

Team Name: Chicago Bears

GM: Hookem Up

Selection: (OT) Jonathan Martin

Jonathon Martin, 6’5’’, 312lbs, was a two time All PAC 10 first team player (2010, 2011). Like his fellow teammates Andrew Luck and David DeCastro, Martin chose to skip his senior season at Stanford to enter this year’s NFL draft. Jonathon failed to complete the combine test after pulling out for an undisclosed illness. He did however work out at the Stanford pro day. There has been a slight amount of concern over the numbers he posted there and rather or not they are good enough to solidify a first round draft grade.

Phil Emory and the Chicago draft team should instead find comfort in what Jonathon Martin has accomplished on the field. He started 11of 13 games at left tackle in 2009, and every game in 2010 and 2011. He has invaluable experience in a pro style offense in one of America’s premier NCAA conferences. The Stanford team as a whole has only gave up 15 sacks in the last two seasons, while averaging nearly 210 yards per game on the ground. Martin as the left tackle was the blindside cornerstone for his offensive line.

As a pass blocker, Martin uses great natural bend and body lean to combine with his quick feet and lateral agility. This allows him to keep a wide base, anchor in and deliver a solid punch to opposing defenders. Strength is a concern against the run, but look for that to improve as his body matures and with a NFL workout regiment. The lateral agility previously mentioned does give him an advantage to move into position to wall off defensive ends. Martin’s quickness off the snap also works in his favor. He is usually the first lineman off the snap which allows him to get into pass protection sets quickly and get ideal position for run blocking.

Jonathon Martin is a very smart young man. He has above average intelligence in both the classroom and on the football field. This trait translates very well to the NFL. Martin is also a hard worker and leader on his team, all positive points Phil Emory should appreciate. Offensive line coach Mike Tice will have a chance to work on Martin’s strength, second level blocking, and add a little bit more nastiness (teammates say he is nasty on the field) to the future left tackle of the Chicago Bears.

-- Hookem Up

HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS according to Drafttek.com

-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Left Tackle, 43 DE

-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): Cornerback, 43 DT, 43 OLB, Feature Receiver, Tight End, Guard, Center, 43 Will Backer

-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): Free Safety, Strong Safety

-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): 43 Sam Backer, Quarterback, Feature Back, COP Back, Possession Receiver, Slot Receiver, Right Tackle

The NFP and Draft Scout rankings are clickable into expanded evaluations.

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