The day has finally come. We are hours away from the 2020 NFL Draft, which means that mock drafts have finally concluded.
I put out my final seven-round projection yesterday, but who are the other analysts and writers predicting the Chargers to do when they’re on the clock with the No. 6 overall selection?
NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah —- Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
“The Chargers could also go Isaiah Simmons in this spot. It will likely depend on their medical evaluation of Tua’s hip.”
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline ——- Oregon QB Justin Herbert
“The Chargers desperately need a quarterback, and many feel this is a great fit for both team and player. Herbert has been highly rated by scouts the past two seasons and has top-10 ability. And while he possesses the physical skills to be a starter at the next level, Herbert’s inability to consistently play at a high level and come through during important moments is troubling.
His reserved personality may not be a fit for every coach or in every city, but the person able to tap into Herbert and teach him to play to his utmost ability will have a very good NFL quarterback.”
Pro Football Focus’ Cris Collinsworth — Georgia OT Andrew Thomas
“Andrew Thomas has arms over 36 inches, and he has quick feet so he is rarely out of position. Picking Thomas here would also allow the recently signed right tackle Bryan Bulaga to stay at his natural position. Andrew Thomas is not a perfect player, but he is PFF’s highest-graded tackle in this class, and he can be a force in the run game. Thirty-six-inch arms are a rarity, and the tie-breaker here — he reminds me of Ronnie Stanley coming out or Notre Dame with arms almost 36 inches, as well. Stanley has been one of the best pass-blockers in the league since he came in, and he is coming off the best season of his career playing with a similar quarterback.”
SB Nation’s Dan Kadar —– Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
“Even though Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn loves Tyrod Taylor, he will be hard-pressed to pass on Tagovailoa. He can be the face of the franchise the Chargers need to build around. And if it works out, the Chargers should push for a playoff spot next season.”
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer —- Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
“As we said in the MMQB, GM Tom Telesco is cagey as they come. As is the case with Miami, there’s a plenty of buzz that the Chargers could sit and take a tackle here. So call this one a hunch. The Chargers have a lot of brewing contract situations with established veterans, and too good a roster to count on being bad again, so having a high-end QB on a rookie deal would solve a lot of problems, and it’s worth the risk. And if Tagovailoa doesn’t go here? I really don’t know how far he’ll fall.”
Rotoworld’s Hayden Winks — Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa
“I’ve heard that the Bolts have been high on Herbert for more than one season but haven’t heard how they feel about Tagovailoa. If Tua is medically cleared, I think his ceiling is too high for them to pass up. It is, however, totally possible for Tagovailoa to slide to the teens because we simply just don’t know how teams feel about his hip and ankles. The draft will be very interesting if Los Angeles picks an offensive tackle (Andrew Thomas?) and waits for a quarterback in the 2nd or 3rd round (Jalen Hurts?).”
Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman — Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons
“You’re going to see teams in the AFC West load up on defensive athletes because of the Chiefs,” said one NFC scout. “Simmons typifies the versatile and explosive athlete.”