DC Writers Mock Draft: Picks 11-15

Click here for Picks 1-5

Click here for Picks 6-10

11th - San Diego Chargers - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Pick by John Winter

The San Diego Chargers would happily snap up Lane Johnson if he was still on the board at no. 11 having slipped past the likes of the offensive tackle needy Arizona Cardinals at 7 as well as the number of other teams wanting to trade up for one of the top 3 tackles.

Johnson would fill a major need for the Chargers, with 'Big Lazy' Jared Gaither gone the team doesn't really have a bona fide left tackle on the roster at the moment. The team desperately needs to upgrade a woeful pass protection to help QB Phillip Rivers who was last season sacked 38 times and was constantly under pressure from opposing defences, no doubt contributed to his 15 interceptions and 13 fumbles. This pick would be a no brainer.

In reality the Chargers would still be happy if in any way they could upgrade their offensive line or get help for Rivers. But if they want to get Lane Johnson or any other of the top 3 offensive tackles they will most likely have to trade up.

Finals Interview: Drew newiss

Our final final interview is from Birmingham Lions president Drew Newiss

Drew Newiss (left) in action versus the Derby Braves

DC: Do you feel that there is an added pressure on the team after losing in the final the last two years?

There is always pressure on any team that reaches a final. This year is no exception. Our goal is always to win the national final and we place an emphasis on that. With high ambition, pressure naturally arrises, however, this drive comes from within the team as we always compete to be the best we can. We are not concerned with what those outside the program think of us and have gone about our job as we always do.

The last few years have been agonising to come so close to winning; however, each season has come with different challenges that I am proud we have overcome. Ultimately pressure is expected, but will not be a crippling factor for us.

Finals Interview: Dom Gould

GB Uni Lions and Hertfordshire Hurricanes Linebacker Dom Gould spoke to us before the final

DC: Do you feel that there is an added expectation on the team after winning in the final last year?

There is certainly an expectation for our club to get better than we were last year. However that isn't just as players but as an organisation overall.

BUCS University Finals: National Trophy Interviews

Before the finals we interviewed a number of players and coaches from all the teams involved, here are the links to the National Trophy final interviews:

Adrian Giles, NTU Renegades Head Coach

Marcus Boswell, NTU Safety/Corner

Gareth Thomas, Southampton Stags Head Coach

Dana Neale, Southampton Stags Quarterback

GB Junior Trials

GB Juniors have an open practise this Saturday (20th April), at Hertfordshire University, This is open to any player born after 1st January 1994. The pre-registration form is available here, 

If you are under 18, parents need to sign a consent form which can be found here, under the title Great Britain Junior Trials Consent Form. Registration starts at 10am and the practice should finish around 4pm.

It would be great to see a huge turnout for the penultimate open practice, before squads are decided.