Tag: Chargers draft

Chargers load up on offense in 3-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers snag a quarterback, offensive tackle and wide receiver in their latest three-round mock draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers were expected to be a Super Bowl contender heading into this season. But injuries and deficiencies on the roster hindered them.

General manager Tom Telesco and company are gearing up to bolster their already talented group to ensure that the Bolts are in the best shape to give it another go next season.

With that, here is our latest three-round mock draft with the direction that Telesco could go in the 2020 NFL draft.

Round 1, No. 9, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Logan Riely/Getty Images

The last time the Chargers drafted a quarterback in the first-round was back in 2004 when they took Eli Manning, who was later traded to the Giants with Philip Rivers in return. With Rivers set to become an unrestricted free agent, Los Angeles could very well end in that drought in this upcoming draft.

With the Bolts picking high, they have the opportunity to land a top quarterback. In this case, Tagovailoa surpasses the Dolphins, who could very well be looking to address the position.

Tagovailoa was expected to be a lock for the top-5, but a hip injury that he sustained this season has given some a reason to be concerned. But doctors who performed the surgery feel confident he will make a full recovery with a slate of rehab.

Injury aside, Tua is a quick processor, who has phenomenal field vision, natural instincts, accuracy and mobility to tear up defenses in a multitude of ways. The Alabama product is a well-known name that would draw a plethora of people into their new stadium, as well.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter sees the Chargers and Tua as a perfect marriage since he would be on a team that doesn’t have to play him right away considering Rivers or Tyrod Taylor would be the Day 1 starter in 2020.

“If you look at the Top 10, there’s teams that need a quarterback, a team like the Chargers. Phillip Rivers maybe sign a one year deal to come back. And if he doesn’t, they like Tyrod Taylor anyway and could play him for one year. That might be an interesting situation,” Schefter said.

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After loss to Vikings, Chargers move up in NFL Draft

After the loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon, the draft position for the Los Angeles Chargers improved.

After the 39-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon, the draft position for the Los Angeles Chargers improved.

The Chargers (5-9) moved up a draft slot to currently hold the ninth pick in the 2020 NFL draft. For the past two weeks, they have held the No. 10 overall selection.

The Bolts have only selected in the top-10 twice over the past 15 years. Both players remain on the roster and have been key contributors since coming onboard.

Defensive end Joey Bosa was drafted with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2016 NFL draft, while wide receiver Mike Williams was the No. 7 overall selection a year later.

The Chargers finish the season against the 6-8 Oakland Raiders and the 10-4 Kansas City Chiefs.

If they lose both games, Los Angeles could very well end up picking close to the top-5 depending on the outcome of the other teams that are around there — Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1), New York Jets (5-9) and Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9).

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Why Chargers need to draft quarterback in Round 1 of 2020 NFL draft

The time is now for the Los Angeles Chargers to find their future face of the franchise.

The Los Angeles Chargers have a difficult decision to make when the 2019 regular season is over. The franchise needs to decide whether it’s time to move on from quarterback Philip Rivers or bring him back for Year 17.

Based on how this season has gone, you can make the argument that it’s time to separate themselves from the 38-year old because it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows when it’s come to his play, as he’s thrown 15 interceptions.

But you can also make the argument that some of the woes fall on the shoulders of the inconsistent play along the offensive line.

Regardless of the direction the Chargers go with Rivers; they can’t hold off on grabbing the potential face of the franchise.

Many fans want to see Rivers play in the new stadium in 2020, and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if the team does, too. In that scenario, Rivers returns on what is likely a one-year deal with some sort of second-year option.

We’re looking at Rivers playing for one season with his contract expiring after the 2020 campaign, and so will his backup Tyrod Taylor, whose contract is up at the same time.

So why would the Chargers go into the 2021 offseason with no options behind them at the quarterback?

There’s rookie Easton Stick, but it’s believed that he will serve as a long term backup or even as trade bait. If they chose to draft one in 2021 and throw him in the fire, it’s likely to be a disaster. And with how the roster is set up, they’re built to win.

Taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft would give him a year to sit under Rivers and take over with some NFL experience under his belt the following season.

Well, what if Los Angeles feels like Rivers isn’t in their plans for next season? Or, Rivers decides to hang up the cleats?

Taylor is the likely the Day 1 starter. That would be the ideal scenario as their offensive philosophy will shift around a mobile quarterback, which is something the Chargers have wanted to do since coach Anthony Lynn came on board.

Taylor is the perfect bridge quarterback since he has experience and the traits that he would be able to pass on to whoever the rookie quarterback is when he takes the throne.

Now, onto the draft and what they should do.

The Chargers will be picking anywhere between No. 10 and 15, which means they will likely have options such as Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts and possibly Tua Tagovailoa available. All four mentioned are not perfect, but they have the tools to become a franchise quarterback eventually with some polish.

Waiting until the second round to acquire a quarterback and electing to choose another position of need like offensive tackle in Round 1 should not be in the picture. If a quarterback is worth a second-round pick, the area is so vital that it makes him worth a first-round selection.

Luckily, the offensive tackle class has the potential to be one of the greatest in recent years and you can find Day 1 starters in Round 2 with Josh Jones, Prince Tega Wanogho, Mekhi Bekton, Trey Adams or Alex Leatherwood.

For fans, the offensive tackle position is a pressing need because Rivers thrives when he has a clean pocket. But success in a rookie’s first season, whether that be at left tackle or right tackle, is hit or miss so you can’t bank on a first rounder being the solution.

Like offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen said, “A rookie playing tackle in this league. I don’t care who you are, first-round pick or whatever it is, it’s tough.”

If the Chargers wait until 2021 to draft a quarterback, they’re putting themselves in the wrong spot. Not only will they likely have to throw whoever that is in the fire, but the quarterback class isn’t as superior as this year’s.

It has two options at the top in Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, but they are likely to go in the top-10 and who’s to say Los Angeles will be in this spot again since they’re probably going to have more success next season, putting them beyond the 20’s.

The bottom line is that whether or not Rivers is in the plans for 2020, they can’t play the waiting game with the position anymore. The team is going to be in a good spot to draft a talented quarterback, and they must seize that moment.

Of course the offensive line needs to be addressed immediately, but they can afford to do so later on and plus, we don’t know if they’re going to address it in free agency or if they’re going to bank on the development of the younger players like Trent Scott and Trey Pipkins.

The last time the Chargers drafted a quarterback in the first-round was in 2004. With there being a few prospects that have the makings of a franchise quarterback, the team needs to strongly consider ending that drought in 2020.

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Looking at Draft Wire’s 3-round mock draft for Chargers

The Chargers take a quarterback, center and linebacker in Draft Wire’s latest three-round mock draft.

With the Chargers essentially out of playoff contention, the fanbase’s attention has shifted towards the future and what the team could do to build up an already talented roster for next year.

With that, we will continue to throw in mock drafts here and there throughout the duration of the regular season to show the direction they could go. Once the season is over, all of our attention will shift solely to free agency and the draft.

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling put out his latest three-round mock draft. Let’s take a look and see what he believes Los Angeles will do when April rolls around.

Round 1, No. 10, QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season, and it’s uncertain whether or not he will be back. Whether or not he is back for Year 17, the Chargers can’t waste anymore time to find his potential replacement, especially if they will be picking in the top-15.

The team has certainly been doing their homework on him. Earlier this season, there were three scouts in attendance for the matchup between Oregon and USC. When you have that many scouts at a game, it’s clear that they’re zeroing in on a specific prospect.

Herbert, the 6-foot-6 and 237 pounder, has everything that the Bolts will covet in their next signal-caller — arm talent, mobility, experience, football intelligence and production. While there are areas that need to be addressed to his game, including his decision-making, he is a guy with high upside.

It wouldn’t be the most sexy selection in eyes of the fans, but it’s a pick that the organization would make given their philosophy, need and most importantly, because he checks off on nearly all of the boxes when it comes to evaluating players at the position.

Here is what Easterling had to say about Herbert going to L.A.

Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.

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Chargers beef up offensive line in PFF’s latest mock draft

Chargers add much-needed offensive tackle in mock draft.

There are two positions that will be in contention for the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft — quarterback and offensive tackle.

On one hand, you have uncertainty with the future of Philip Rivers, leaving the team needing to find his potential replacement. On the other hand, you have a line that’s been hit with injuries and has struggled with consistency for years.

This year’s offensive tackle class is loaded with talent, but there are a select few at the top that could really draw the attention of Los Angeles.

One of the prospects is Alabama’s Jedrick Wills.

Pro Football Focus released their latest mock draft and felt that Wills and the Bolts would be the perfect matchmake with the No. 10 overall selection in the 2020 NFL draft.

Back-to-back Alabama offensive tackles in the top-10 and they’re both that good. The last time the Chargers drafted an Alabama right tackle, it didn’t work out so well, but Wills is a different breed from D.J. Fluker. At 6-5, 320 pounds, Wills is far more explosive than he is a brute in the run game. It’s a big reason why he earned a freaky 91.4 run-blocking grade this year.

By no surprise, Wills has been on our radar this season. He was included in our Scouting Notebook in Week 11.

Wills isn’t technically refined as Leatherwood in the pass protection department, but he is a strong, physical tackle who is an adept run blocker and has the tools to be a well-rounded NFL offensive tackle with more nuance in his footwork.

For Chargers fans, it’s easy to see an offensive tackle from Alabama and be swayed away because they have a clear memory of how D.J. Fluker panned out for him. But Wills is far more superior than Fluker coming out of college.

The best way to describe Wills is a “people mover”. Even though he’s stronger in the run blocking department, he’s got the wide base and length to keep defenders at bay in pass protection.

Whether it’s blocking for Rivers, Tyrod Taylor or the quarterback of the future, Wills would be plug-and-play right tackle for Los Angeles.

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Where Chargers would pick in 2020 NFL draft if season ended today

Sitting at 4-8, the Chargers would be selecting in the top-10 of the 2020 NFL draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers dropped their third consecutive game on Sunday to the Denver Broncos. Their record took a dip to 4-8, but where they would be picking in the draft crept up.

If the season ended today, the Chargers would hold the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Entering this season, Los Angeles never would have thought that they would be in this position. But injuries, a coaching change midway through the season and in-game blunders they haven’t been able to overcome put them here.

With the playoffs out of reach, it’s time to start looking towards the future of a talented team that could get back to where they were anticipating to be in with a good haul of young players this offseason to strengthen the roster even more.

Having a higher draft position will ensure that they’re able to have a plethora of talent to choose from. With four games remaining, with only one opponent with a losing record (Jacksonville Jaguars), there’s a strong chance they will retain this slot or creep up rather than move down.

Here is the full order of the first 15 selections, courtesy of Tankathon:

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4 potential Chargers prospects to watch in Week 14

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives you four potential Chargers to watch on Saturday.

It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for another edition of The Scouting Notebook.

The Scouting Notebook features prospects to keep an eye on when the majority of the college games take place. While some think it’s too early to talk about the 2020 NFL draft, there’s never a bad time to talk about the future of the Chargers.

With that being said, here are four prospects to watch for in Week 14.

G Ben Bredeson, Michigan, #74, 9:00 a.m. PT, FOX

The offensive tackle position is seen as a glaring area that needs to be addressed, but the interior part of the offensive line could get revamped. Guard Michael Schofield is an unrestricted free agent after this season and the future of Forrest Lamp is unknown after struggling to stay healthy.

Bredeson, senior and captain of the Wolverines, has plug-and-play traits. He looks the part at 6-foot-4 and 329 pounds and checks the necessary NFL boxes with his athleticism, strength, intelligence as a pass protector and a run blocker.

Through Week 14, Bredeson has 403 pass block snaps and has allowed only five pressures and zero sacks.

Today, Bredeson will be under the microscope of many NFL evaluators as he is set to go up against a stout Ohio State defensive line.

LB Kamal Martin, Minnesota, #21, 12:30 p.m. PT, ABC

Thomas Davis can’t play forever, Denzel Perryman only has one more year under contract after this season and Jatavis Brown is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Chargers will look to get younger at the linebacker position.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Martin has terrific length for the position with long arm, in which he uses to discard blockers. He consistently rallies to the ball with ideal ball awareness and aggressive intentions in pursuit.

In four years, Martin has amassed 168 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks nine passes defensed and four interceptions.

WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame, #83, 1:00 p.m. PT, NBC

At some point this offseason, the wide receiver position will likely be addressed to add a true No. 3 to the mix, and Claypool would be the perfect addition.

Towering at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds, Claypool is physically imposing, showing the ability to box out, out-physical defenders and handle the ball. While he isn’t a speed demon, he is a possession target to turn catches downfield and always looking to create after the catch.

Whether it’s for Philip Rivers or the quarterback of the future next season, Claypool would supply a big target, who has the ball skills to be a reliable chain-mover.

CB Jaylon Johnson, Utah, #1 4:30 p.m. PT, ABC

The Chargers would solidify their secondary by adding a playmaker opposite of cornerback Casey Hayward, which is why they could look to do so in the first couple rounds.

Standing at 6-foot and 195 pounds, Johnson has a knack for the football, intercepting two passes and deflecting nine. His stats would look more padded, but opposing quarterbacks don’t bother throwing in his direction. Johnson has also shown the ability to make open field tackles.

Johnson has shut down some of the best receivers he’s lined up across, and he will have one of his toughest yet facing Colorado’s Laviska Shenault Jr., who is touted as one of the top wideouts in this year’s class.

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5 potential Chargers prospects to watch in Week 13

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the college prospects you should be watching on Saturday.

It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for another edition of The Scouting Notebook.

The Scouting Notebook features prospects to keep an eye on when the majority of the college games take place. While some think it’s too early to talk about the 2020 NFL draft, there’s never a bad time to talk about the future of the Chargers.

With that being said, here are five prospects to watch for in Week 13.

CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State, #24, 9:00 a.m. PT, FOX

The Chargers haven’t added a true playmaker at the cornerback position since signing Casey Hayward back in 2017. While Michael Davis has been decent this season, the team could look to replace him with a long-term solution, who has plenty of talent.

Wade, the 6-foot-1 and 190 pounder, primarily plays in the slot for the Buckeyes. For someone of his size, it’s a little unusual but he has the speed and athleticism to thrive on the outside in the NFL. The redshirt sophomore has the read and react skills from zone coverage that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would covet.

Today, Wade will be under the microscope of many NFL evaluators as he and Ohio State battle it out with the Penn State Nittany Lions in a top-10 matchup on Saturday morning.

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