The Los Angeles Chargers are finalizing their big board as the 2020 NFL Draft is now less than three weeks away.
As the draft approaches, mock drafts continue to be pumped out as the world proceeds to predict how they believe the draft will shape up.
Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling is among the latest to take a crack at it. Here are the results from his three-round mock draft:
Round 1, No. 6, Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
The Chargers were runner ups in the Tom Brady sweepstakes, and they have said that they have no desire to sign Cam Newton or Jameis Winston at the moment.
That means Tyrod Taylor is expected to start under center this upcoming season. However, he only has one more year remaining on his contract and the team must give fans a glimpse of the future at the quarterback position.
Tagovailoa has many concerned with his previous injury history, but all signs are pointing to him being healthy by the time the upcoming season begins. But he would be in the perfect situation where he wouldn’t have to start in Year 1, giving him time to completely ensure he is at full health before taking the reins.
Aside from the durability concerns, Tagovailoa is the type of quarterback that Chargers are looking for, bringing a rare skillset to the table as a passer. He has the characteristics and leadership ability they would covet. His presence would also aide in bringing fans into their brand new stadium.
Round 2, No. 37, Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
The Chargers shored up the right tackle position with the signing of Bryan Bulaga, but the left tackle spot remains a mystery. Trey Pipkins could be slated as the starter, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they took advantage of this deep tackle class for added competition.
Cleveland went into the pre-draft process as a projected third-round selection, but his incredible showing at the Combine boosted his stock as a likely top-40 selection.
Cleveland’s athleticism and loose movement skills allow him to stymie different types of rushers off the edge in pass protection, and his speed would be much-needed in space as the Chargers will now look to run the ball more in their new scheme.
Round 3, No. 71, Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
From my latest takeaways, I mentioned how it wouldn’t be surprising if the linebacker position was addressed in the first two days of the draft. That’s the direction they go in Round 3 with the selection of Brooks.
Brooks, the 6-foot and 240 pounder is a quick-twitch athlete who has the desired play speed, range and toughness against both the pass and the run game.
For the Chargers, Brooks projects best as a Mike linebacker while also serving as a key contributor on special teams. In Year 1, he has the traits to see the field early on.
Boy does Jordyn Brooks have some range. He shows it off on this play. pic.twitter.com/kIdqIxvFHG
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) March 10, 2020