With the Chargers needing to find Philip Rivers’ replacement now that it’s official he won’t be back with the franchise, they might have to take the leap to get their guy in this year’s draft (should they choose this route rather than via free agency or trade).
That’s what happens in CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, as the Bolts trade up three spots with the Lions where they snagged former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 3 overall selection.
The Chargers not only take their replacement for Philip Rivers, but they get a name that might make people in Los Angeles care about the Chargers. L.A. sends Detroit the No. 6, No. 71 and a 2021 2nd round pick to move up three spots to take Tua before the Dolphins can.
Currently sitting with the No. 6 overall selection, you’d think that Los Angeles is in a prime position to draft a quarterback.
But since there is one team ahead of them in the Dolphins and a slew of other teams behind them that could be in the market for a signal-caller, they might have to take the gamble to draft who they are banking on being their face of the franchise for the next decade, whether that’s Tua or Oregon’s Justin Herbert.
In this case, the Chargers give up this year’s first-round, third-round selection and a 2021 second-round pick to select Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa could benefit from being on a team like Los Angeles because he wouldn’t have to start Year 1 since Tyrod Taylor would likely be the starter in 2020, giving Tua enough time to sit and rehab back to full health for the 2021 season where he could then take the reins.
If he remains healthy, the Chargers will have a quarterback that could produce positive results on a yearly basis. Tua has an excellent feel for the game, thriving with his instincts, processing skills and vision where he’s one of the best in this class when under pressure. He’s accurate and is capable of making all the throws, inside or outside the structure.