Projecting first-year roles for each of the Chargers draft picks

The majority of the Los Angeles Chargers draft class should play a role in their rookie seasons.

The Chargers had six selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they made the most with them, taking players that can make an impact as early as Year 1.

Here’s what kind of role each of the Bolts’ six picks should have in their rookie seasons:

QB Justin Herbert

The Chargers finally found their quarterback of the future. Herbert is in the most ideal position, as he will be able to sit behind Tyrod Taylor this season and improve the weaknesses to his game with new quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton and simply get adapted to the speed of the NFL and learn the new system. Luckily, the new offense implemented this season will likely be similar to the Ravens’ offense last year to tailor to the strengths of Herbert, which shouldn’t require too much change to what he was used to. I don’t expect the team to rush Herbert into the fire unless the team is horrible, which I don’t see being the case unless injuries occur. If I were to guess, I could see Herbert playing two or three games this season, if that.

LB Kenneth Murray

The Chargers traded back up into the first-round to draft a player that they were very high on with the hopes of him adding a spark to the defensive side of the ball. Murray should enter the season as the starting Will linebacker while Drue Tranquill starts as the Mike linebacker. His playing time will be significant, playing a vital role in stopping the run, limiting yards after the catch and serving as an additional blitzer. His zone coverage skills need work, but he has the speed to run with running backs out of the backfield as well as tight ends. Murray and Tranquill will be an intriguing linebacker tandem for years to come.

RB Joshua Kelley

Kelley is projected to serve as just a short yardage back in his rookie season by many, but I believe he’s going to be used more than that. While Kelley has the power to run through defenders, which would come in handy in those situations, he also has good change-of-direction, vision, burst and passing game ability to make an impact on any down. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chargers run a committee backfield with Kelley, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. The former UCLA product could see 10-15 carries per game, especially if they emphasize the running game moving forward.

WR Joe Reed

Known as a yards-after-the-catch threat, Reed’s speed will be put to use in a variety of roles. But his lack of route savvy and separation skills holds him back from being a pure vertical option. Nonetheless, Reed will be used as a gadget player, lining up in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield. He will be used in sweeps, shovel passes and slants, similar to role that the 49ers gave Deebo Samuel last year. Given his impressive production as a kick returner in college, he will have also serve as a return specialist. I expect Reed to average five targets/touches per game on offense.

S Alohi Gilman

Gilman was a bit of a head-scratcher to some, but it made sense. After the departures of Adrian Phillips, Derek Watt, Jatavis Brown and Nick Dzubnar, the Chargers needed more special teamers, which is the area Gilman should make an immediate impact (if he can win a roster spot). Now that Phillips is gone, finding his replacement as the team’s dime linebacker is just as important. Gilman, who plays better in the box with his great instincts and physical demeanor to make plays, will have the opportunity to compete for the job.

WR K.J. Hill

I expect Hill to live up to his title as the seventh-round steal in Year 1. Known for his crafty route-running to always make himself open and ability to catch everything thrown to him, Hill has the leg up on the WR3 job over rookie Joe Reed, Andre Patton and Darius Jennings. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen will line up on the outside while Hill plays in the slot. He should be an additional weapon for Tyrod Taylor, receiving five-seven targets per game.