ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Chargers selecting Ohio State safety Malik Hooker with the No. 7 overall pick in his 2017 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 released Wednesday.

Here’s McShay:

“L.A.’s biggest need right now is at offensive tackle, but I don’t see a player at that position worthy of a top-10 pick. Hooker would fill another void for the Chargers, who could use a rangy, instinctive safety patrolling the deep middle of the field. Hooker tied for third in the FBS with seven interceptions in his first year as a starter.”

The Chargers already have several nice pieces for new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to work with. Hooker’s ball-hawking skills would bolster a defense that features Pro Bowl cornerback Jason Verrett and the NFL’s pick leader, Casey Hayward.

Let’s also not forget that Bradley coached safety Earl Thomas in Seattle, whose worth was only magnified after his season-ending injury in 2016.  Is Hooker on that level? NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah thinks so. Here’s what he had to say about the Buckeye in his top 50 prospects 2.0 piece:

Hooker is a tall, rangy safety prospect with incredible instincts. He usually lines up as the high safety and he has an uncanny ability to anticipate throws, drive on the ball, and finish. He is ultra-fluid in his change of direction and has the ability to match up with tight ends in man coverage. He has the best ball skills of any safety I’ve ever evaluated in college. He is also a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Against the run, he is quick to key, read and fill the alley. He does have some fly-by missed tackles, but overall he’s reliable in this area. Hooker has the potential to be one of the league’s best safeties very early in his NFL career.

Los Angeles may already have a franchise-changing player in Joey Bosa.  If the Bolts brass believes Hooker provides that same impact, the two could be franchise cornerstones for the next decade.

McKinley to Big Blue

The Giants had a remarkable turnaround on defense in 2016, but run the risk of losing defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in free agency. That’s why McShay has UCLA DE/OLB Takkarist McKinley headed to New York with the No. 23 overall pick provided its top tight end targets are off the board.

McKinley earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors his senior season, notching 61 tackles (18 for loss) and 10 sacks. Teams will get a closer look at the California native at next month’s NFL Scouting Combine. UCLA’s pro day is on March 21.