Even though there are still a handful of players that have yet to be signed, it’s likely that the Chargers are nearly done with all of their acquisitions via free agency.
Los Angeles addressed the right tackle, guard, cornerback and linebacker position with their signings, leaving very little holes to fill heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
With that being said, it’s time to see how the Bolts could go about their draft plans with the event kicking off in less than a month.
Round 1, No. 3, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Trade: LAC trades 2020 first-round (No. 6), 2020 second-round (No. 37), 2021 second-round
DET trades 2020 first-round (No. 3), 2020 fifth-round (No. 149)
The Chargers were all in on the Tom Brady sweepstakes, but the six-time Super Bowl champion elected to sign with the Buccaneers.
After the news surfaced, a report came out saying that Los Angeles is not going to sign or trade for a quarterback after all, leaving Tyrod Taylor as the penciled in starter at the moment.
While the team has expressed full confidence in Taylor, the franchise needs to give fans a glimpse of the future at the position, which is why they trade up to snag arguably the most polarizing prospects in this year’s class.
Tagovailoa has many skeptical of his future because of his injury history, specifically the severe hip injury that he sustained back in November. But Tua appears to be making rapid progress after a video was released of him dropping back, shuffling and throwing on the run.
Aside from the durability concerns, Tagovailoa is the type of quarterback that Chargers are looking for, bringing a rare skillset to the table. He has the characteristics and leadership ability they would covet. Tua would also be in the perfect situation where he wouldn’t have to start in Year 1.
To read more why drafting Tua is a risk worth taking click here.
Round 3, No. 71, WR Van Jefferson, Florida
What would a rookie quarterback benefit more from? More weapons.
In a league where winning at the line of scrimmage is essential, Jefferson possesses the skillset to do so at the next level. He isn’t going to win with physicality, but he will with his straight-line speed, refined route running and quickness at the top of his routes.
When open, he uses his frame and strong hands at the catch point to reel in the football. Jefferson also has the ability to be a special teams contributor due to his speed and competitive nature.
In the Chargers offense, Jefferson would line up opposite of Mike Williams on the outside while Keenan Allen and tight end Hunter Henry flourish inside in the slot.
Round 4, No. 112, OT Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
Waiting until Day 3 to take an offensive lineman may come as a surprise and it wouldn’t be surprising if this doesn’t end up being the case. But in this case, it is.
The Chargers appear to have confidence in developing Trey Pipkins into the full-time starting left tackle and while they could draft another one for competition, they choose to take an experience lineman that offers versatility.
Adeneji, the Texas native, primarily served as the Jayhawks’ left tackle. In his 48 career games, he started 43 on the left side, while five of them came at right tackle. During Senior Bowl week, he moved inside to guard.
For the Bolts, Adejini projects as a multi-position backup with starter upside. Given his athleticism, he’s perfect for their soon-to-be zone blocking scheme that should be installed next season.
Round 5, No. 149, LB Evan Weaver, California (Acquired from DET)
Prior to the new league year and before the announcement of the release of Thomas Davis, coach Anthony Lynn said that the Chargers will be looking to add more depth to the linebacker position.
Los Angeles signed Nick Vigil, but there hasn’t been any more activity other than that.
L.A. has had contact with Weaver and the fact that they have interest is no surprise. The team covets production, great leadership and durability, all of which the former California product possesses.
Weaver would be a rotational Mike linebacker, winning with his ability to stuff the run inside the box and instincts to thrive in zone coverage. He would also serve as a vital special teamer.
Round 5, No. 151, DT Bravvion Roy, Baylor
The Chargers signed Linval Joseph to serve as Brandon Mebane’s replacement. However, the depth at the nose tackle position is thin since the team has chosen not to re-sign Damion Square or Sylvester Williams.
Roy played in 48 games, starting 29 for the Bears. At 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds, Roy is a massive human with heavy hands, upper body strength and eyebrow-raising quickness to wear down blockers.
He was moved all up and down the line for the Bears, but he would be the ideal candidate to serve as a nose tackle for the Chargers to help aide with clogging up the middle with his point-of-attack power.
Round 6, No. 186, RB Sewo Olonilua, TCU
The Melvin Gordon era came to an end after he signed with the Broncos. While the Chargers could roll with Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, the backfield could benefit from a bigger back, especially since Derek Watt is no longer on the team anymore, either.
For his size (6-foot-3 and 232 pounds), possesses some enticing traits as a ball carrier. He does a nice job reading his blocks and gaining yards provided for him, possesses the lateral agility to change directions in his cuts, power to pile his way through defenders and solid build-up speed in space.
Round 7, No. 220, CB DeMarkus Acy, Missouri
The cornerback position could be addressed a lot earlier than the last round in the draft. But it’s possible that the team has full faith in Michael Davis and Nasir Adderley, who might experience a position change.
If that’s the case, the Chargers add Acy who gives the positional room another body for added competition.
The 6-foot-2 and 215 pounder is long and rangy who has experience in a variety of coverages. His speed and play recognition are perfect traits for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s zone scheme.
