The Chargers had several possible directions they could take with the third pick in the National Football League draft Thursday in Chicago and went for defense, selecting Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa.
The 6-foot-5, 269-pound pass rusher compiled 150 tackles, about one-third for losses, 26 sacks, 24 additional hits on opposing quarterbacks and caused five forced fumbles in three seasons. He helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2014 national championship.
The teams selecting ahead of the Chargers -- the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles -- both traded up and, as expected, chose quarterbacks Jared Goff of Cal and Carson Wentz of North Dakota State, respectively.
That left general manager Tom Telesco to decide whether to shore up an ineffective offensive line by selecting tackles Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame or Laremy Tunsil of Mississippi, or strengthen the pass rush by taking either Bosa or DeForest Buckner of Oregon.
Also a possibility was Jalen Ramsey, a defensive back from Florida State who is projected to shine at cornerback or safety.
Rounds two and three are Friday, with the last three rounds on Saturday. The Chargers are also scheduled to host a DraftFest Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium.
