With the Chargers filling a handful of their positional needs in free agency, they will have a little bit more flexibility to take the best player approach.
That’s what Los Angeles does in ESPN’s Todd McShay’s latest two-round mock draft, which sees them taking former Wisconsin edge rusher Zack Baun with their second-round selection.
Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram III are both set for free agency in 2021 (though Bosa isn’t likely to reach it), so edge could be a problem in the not-so-distant future. The Chargers’ 30 sacks ranked in the bottom five in 2019, and Baun had 12.5 at Wisconsin.
In a league where you can’t have too many pass rushers, the Bolts add to a corps that features Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. With both of them set to become free agents after this season, McShay sees this as an opportunity to add to the position group in case Bosa or Ingram aren’t back.
However, the Chargers still have linebacker Uchenna Nwosu who has made an impact at rushing the quarterback. If Ingram isn’t re-signed, Nwosu will likely take his spot as the LEO. Isaac Rochell has also proven his worth in that same role.
Even though Baun is likely going to primarily rush the passer at the next level, he does have the versatility to drop in coverage and defend the run, projecting as a SAM linebacker in a 4-3 system, but Kyzir White is expected to start at that position.
While Los Angeles could address the position in the draft, I don’t think it will come on Day 1 or 2. Instead, they could find value on Day 3 or look to sign an undrafted free agent. Positions like quarterback, left tackle, wide receiver and cornerback will be the priorities.
Quarterback does sit atop of the Bolts’ priority list and that’s what McShay has them addressing with the No. 6 overall selection with former Utah State’s Jordan Love.
Yes, this is a bit of a reach, but the Chargers struck out in the Tom Brady sweepstakes, and they are looking for long-term answers under center. (They can live in the short term with Tyrod Taylor.) Could free agents Cam Newton or Jameis Winston be in play? Maybe. I’m told Los Angeles likes all four of the top quarterbacks in the draft class — and this pick could end up being Oregon’s Justin Herbert, too — but Love has the arm to make NFL-caliber throws and should be available here at No. 6.
Love’s statistical decline from 2018 to 2019 has drawn some major concerns, but he has franchise quarterback traits. With NFL coaching and being able to sit and learn in Year 1, Love could develop into the future face of the franchise with Pro Bowl potential.