The Chargers have the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft, but there’s the possibility of the thought of moving back and acquiring more picks via trade with a quarterback-needy team could intrigue.
In this case, the Bears, who have a quarterback controversy, choose to move up seven spots to get their signal-caller of the future. In return, Los Angeles gets their first, third and fifth-round picks.
Let’s take a look at how the Bolts’ draft shakes up after trading back in my latest four-round projection.
Round 1, No. 20 (via CHI), Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Sam Tevi is a pending free agent and Trey Pipkins hasn’t done enough to warrant starter status. Therefore, the Chargers are in need of a reliable, long-term left tackle. Darrisaw has been commonly mocked to Los Angeles at No. 13, but he still falls in their laps here seven picks later.
Starting in all 35 games for the Hokies, Darrisaw earned second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC accolades for his play last season. In 2020, he only allowed six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection.
The 6-foot-5 and 314 pounder is smooth in pass pro, showing anchor ability and body control. In the run game, he flashes strength to move defenders. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way.
Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.
Round 2, No. 47, Josh Myers, IOL, Ohio State
Mike Pouncey retired and Dan Feeney is currently a pending free agent. Even if Feeney is re-signed, the Chargers need to add someone with high upside to offer competition because while he’s managed stay healthy, his play has been inconsistent.
Anchoring an offensive line that helped the Buckeyes average 266.8 rushing yards per game last season, Myers is a seasoned run blocker who possesses very good intelligence, athletic traits, and effort to block in space very effectively, while possessing good strength to anchor down vs bigger rushers.
Overall, Myers would be an immediate starter at center for the Chargers. Their scheme would allow him to maximize his athleticism, short area quickness, lateral movement to move defenders and pre-snap mental processing.
Round 3, No. 77, Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB
Melvin Ingram’s stint with the Bolts could be coming to an end since his contract is up. Therefore, L.A. could be looking for someone to compliment Uchenna Nwosu who fits the mold well as a rotational edge rusher/outside linebacker in Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme.
In his first season at UAB, Smith finished with 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. This past season in eight games, Smith amassed 22 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and an interception.
Smith has the explosiveness, length and high motor to win around the edge at the next level and has the ability to hold his own the run game, but needs to improve his hand usage and add some counter moves to be a more well-rounded player.
Round 3, No. 83 (via CHI), Trill Williams, CB, Syracuse
The cornerback room needs some refinement this offseason. Michael Davis’ future with the team remains to be seen because he’s scheduled to be a free agent and both Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. aren’t getting any younger.
The Chargers recently met with Williams, showing that they have interest in the 6-foot-2 and 198 pounder. During his career with the Orange, Williams amassed 92 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and five pass breakups.
Williams is long, rangy, athletic, physical, and aggressive, thriving in both man and zone coverage. He also offers appeal as a special teamer as he had three return touchdowns in his three seasons. Staley covets position versatility and Williams can play cornerback, safety, or cover the slot.
Round 3, No. 97, Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
The goal is to build around QB Justin Herbert, which is why the Chargers go receiver here.
Schwartz, the 6-foot and 179 pound wideout, amassed 54 catches, 636 yards and three touchdowns this past season. He had 117 catches for 1,433 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons at Auburn.
The former track star who ran a 10.15-second 100 meter, is an excellent athlete who has very good speed to create constant separation and pull away from pursuing defenders. He also has the physical tools, tracking ability and soft hands.
Given how much Herbert likes to air it out, Schwartz could quickly become a consistent target and he could be a reliable return man for a struggling special teams.
Round 4, No. 118, Kendrick Green, IOL, Illinois
Forrest Lamp is slated to be a free agent and his injury history and inconsistent play when healthy may be enough to warrant him not being re-signed by the Chargers.
Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.
At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.
Green projects to be a strong contributor inside either at guard or case — in this case at left guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.
