After having no picks on Friday evening since they were included in the package to get linebacker Kenneth Murray, the Chargers are now back in business with four selections on Day 3 of the draft – barring any trades.
What might they do with their final picks? Using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, I took a crack at how general manager Tom Telesco might wrap up this year’s draft class.
Round 4 | Ben Bartch | OT | St. John’s
For months now, Bartch has been a favorite of mine and after making it out of the second day, there’s a possibility that the Chargers could be eyeing him with the No. 112 overall selection if he gets past the first few teams at the top of the fourth-round.
If Los Angeles was to select Bartch, they’d be getting a player who is a technically refined blocker who possesses the footwork, athleticism, play awareness and quick hands, projecting as a high-upside developmental left tackle with the ability to play some guard.
Round 5 | John Hightower | WR | Boise State
The Chargers have one of the best one-two punches at the wide receiver position, but the thing that the positional group is lacking is speed.
With Hightower, the athleticism and track-like speed (4.43 40) is evident, but he also possesses the separation skills, ball skills and jumping ability to high point the football. Often used on sweep plays, Hightower is a threat to break off for a huge play whenever he has the football. He can also help in the kick-return game.
Round 6 | Harrison Hand | CB | Temple
The Chargers need to address the cornerback position because Michael Davis was up and down last season, he failed to stay on the field in the final games, and he has one more year remaining on his contract.
Hand, the 5-foot-11 and 197 pounder showed to flourish in zone coverage for the Owls, using his read-and-react skills and eye discipline to make plays, projecting as a backup corner with starter upside.
Round 7 | Sewo Olonilua | RB | TCU
Olonilua, the 6-foot-3 and 232 pounder would be the perfect compliment to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, as his powerful style of running would be able to serve in short yardage situations, his physicality would aide in pass protection, and he has the ability to even catch passes out of the backfield.