While many predict what the Chargers will do in the draft that is now less than two weeks away, the only ones that know what their strategy will be is the franchise itself.
As Los Angeles looks to rebound after a down season in 2019, there’s a few things that they need to accomplish in the draft in order to return as a playoff contender.
Here’s a look at four primary objectives:
Draft the future face of the franchise in Round 1
The thought of there being another player under center other than Philip Rivers is hard to envision, but that’s the reality of it after agreeing to mutually part ways. The Chargers had the opportunity to land one of the top free agent quarterbacks like Tom Brady, but they came out empty handed. While there is some belief that Cam Newton could be signed, the team has made it clear that they want to ride into the new season with Tyrod Taylor.
With only one more year remaining on his contract, Taylor is the perfect bridge to whichever rookie quarterback Los Angeles elects to draft. There’s been some that have mentioned that they should wait it out another year to take a quarterback, but the team is in the most ideal position to draft one of the “Big 3” – Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon’s Justin Herbert or Utah State’s Jordan Love.
There’s positives and weaknesses for each player, but they all possess the talent and traits that would mesh well with what the offensive system will look like moving forward, which requires a mobile quarterback and upside to becoming a consistent starter.
Trading back or trading up from the second-round into the first-round has been mentioned before, but ultimately, if a quarterback is worth a second-round pick, the area is so vital that it makes him worth a first-round selection. Why trade back when another quarterback-needy team could ultimately jump them to take their target all along?
With Taylor as the bridge, the rookie will have time to develop, and his low cap hit will allow general manager Tom Telesco to build around him.
Add 2 pieces to the offensive line
The Chargers are making it clear that they’re rebuilding the offensive line, trading for guard Trai Turner and tackle Bryan Bulaga. With the additions of those two, the right side of the line is looking stout, but the rest of the line is still a work in progress.
Uncertainty lies at the left tackle position as to whether or not the team believes in Trey Pipkins as the starter moving forward. Center Mike Pouncey has not been cleared to play yet after sustaining a severe neck injury. And it remains to be seen if Dan Feeney or Forrest Lamp can be reliable starters at left guard moving forward.
However, this can be an easy fix.
If the Bolts draft their quarterback of the future in Round 1, they should target a tackle in Round 2 to compete for the starting job with the likes of USC’s Austin Jackson, Houston’s Josh Jones, TCU’s Lucas Niang or St. John’s Ben Bartch.
Along with that, a mid-round interior offensive lineman for more depth in case Feeney or Lamp don’t pan out or Pouncey isn’t able to play should be considered with the likes of Oregon’s Shane Lemieux, Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson, Clemson’s John Simpson or Kentucky’s Logan Stenberg.
Fill out wide receiver room
What better way to welcome a rookie quarterback by adding protection and giving him a plethora of weapons to throw to? With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams leading the pack, they need a solid WR3 after no one showed up in that role last season.
By addressing other key positions of need in free agency, Telesco has an opportunity to take advantage of a very deep and talented wide receiver class. One of the primary things that needs to be a key focal point with whoever is drafted is speed, which is something the positional group is lacking.
Luckily, there are a slew of play-makers that can be found after Round 1 that should garner the attention of the Chargers.
Defensive depth
The Chargers could enter Week 1 as one of the best defenses in the league with the starters that they have right now. But there are still concerns that lie at the linebacker, cornerback and nose tackle position in regards to the depth at each one.
Denzel Perryman has one more year remaining on his contract. Is Kyzir White to be counted on? Does the team believe in Michael Davis as the permanent starter opposite of Casey Hayward? Linval Joseph brings a huge boost, but who is going to be the one to back him up?
All things mentioned could line up to Los Angeles using three of their picks on the positions to shore up the units. Here is a glance at some linebackers and defensive tackles that could be considered.