2011 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 61

Our annual 2011 NFL Mock Draft, with picks made by each of SB Nation’s NFL team bloggers, is in full swing. The latest pick in to the podium: the San Diego Chargers, at No. 61 overall.

John Gennaro of BoltsFromTheBlue.com explains the choice, and our own Dan Kadar reacts to it, after the jump. Make sure you’re grading this pick for the Chargers, and checking out Bolts from the Blue for all of your Chargers needs.

John Gennaro explains: The Chargers have legit concerns at the WR position, and need to spend at least one pick in the draft on the position. Vincent Jackson should return for one more season, but Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee will end up going to free agency. Buster Davis, Patrick Crayton and Seyi Ajirotutu are still around, but only Ajirotutu is likely to still be rostered after this coming season.

The Chargers are also in need of someone who can return punts and kicks. Perhaps the need for a kickoff returner will be smaller given the rules changes, so punt returning skills become even more valuable.

Randall Cobb fits the bill as both a WR and an experienced KR/PR. He’s a little on the small side for the Chargers’ style, but ability to get separation in man coverage is what the Chargers really want, and Cobb can do that. He can work the middle, make plays after the catch, break the tops off defenses and can even run block with exceptional toughness. He’ll do nicely.

Dan Kadar reacts: Cobb is one of this draft’s top pure weapons. He’s this year’s Dexter McCluster. He can catch, run and and even throw the ball. If the Chargers start losing wide receivers, as expected, one of the strengths of their offense will become a weakness. At the least, Cobb would be good insurance. [Randall Cobb Scouting Report]