The Chargers addressed the quarterback and linebacker positions in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the selections of Justin Herbert and Kenneth Murray.
After trading away their second and third-round picks to move up to grab Murray, Los Angeles wasn’t able to do anything on Friday evening.
As we go into Day 3, which marks the final day of the draft, here’s a look at the team needs that still need to be addressed in order of priority.
- Offensive tackle
- Cornerback
- Wide receiver
- Defensive tackle
- Running back
It’s up in the air whether the Chargers are rolling with Trey Pipkins as the regular season starter at left tackle. He certainly has the leg up, but offensive line coach James Campen may have say if he wants to draft one of his guys that he might like for competition purposes.
Players like Auburn’s Prince Tega Wanogho, St. John’s Ben Bartch, LSU’s Saahdiq Charles, Kansas’ Hakeem Adeniji and Auburn’s Jack Driscoll make a lot of sense for the Bolts because they all possess an athletic skillset which correlates to the zone scheme they’re going to incorporate.
The outside corner spot opposite of Casey Hayward was already a need coming into the draft, but it became more glaring after the Raiders and Broncos have spent their picks on bolstering their wide receiver corps.
Michael Davis has the advantage to start, but they need another playmaker, especially because he only has one more year on his contract. Virginia’s Bryce Hall, Tulsa’s Reggie Robinson, Notre Dame’s Troy Pride and Temple’s Harrison Hand are great fits for Gus Bradley Cover 3 scheme.
The Chargers have a dynamic duo with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but they need to give Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert a deep threat who can take the top off of defenses with straight-line speed. Rhode Island’s Isaiah Coulter, Boise State’s John Hightower, Michigan’s Donovan Peoples-Jones and Southern Mississippi’s Quez Watkins are all options.
Linval Joseph was a solid signing to replace Brandon Mebane. However, the depth behind him is nonexistent. If the Chargers don’t draft anyone, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them re-sign Damion Square or Sylvester Williams. Options in the draft that are intriguing include Utah’s Leki Fotu, Ole Miss’ Benito Jones and Baylor’s Bravvion Roy.
Finally, the last need that could be addressed in the draft is the running back position. With the expectation that Austin Ekeler will be used as a pass-catcher in the slot and out wide, the Chargers need a bigger back that could be used in short yardage situations. Cincinnati’s Michael Warren and TCU’s Sewo Olonilua make a lot of sense.