Mock drafts have flooded the internet the past few months. The consistent trend for the Chargers has been quarterback, offensive tackle and linebacker Isaiah Simmons here and there.
With Los Angeles picking No. 6 overall, you almost can’t go wrong because there are only so many consensus top prospects that fit the ball.
However, every year many of mock drafts are in shambles after the first two picks because NFL teams view these prospects differently than the general population does.
Not to mention, general manager Tom Telesco is one of the best at keeping his plans tight-lipped, and in recent years he has stumped many with his selections.
While many mock drafts have Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon’s Justin Herbert, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Simmons to Los Angeles, what’s a scenario that goes against the norm, and while it may be shocking, it would still make sense?
A wide receiver.
This year’s wide receiver class is loaded with talent from top to bottom, so they could afford to get a reliable option after Round 1, but play-makers like Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb and Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy & Henry Ruggs would put the offense over the top.
Each one of these guys possesses their own dynamic element that would bolster an offense.
Lamb might not be the fastest, but his hands, yards after the catch ability and route-running releases are all elite. Jeudy can put defenders on skates and win with his elite deep speed. Ruggs is a complete route runner with track-like speed who simply catches everything.
Drafting a wide receiver is already an absolute must, but if the Chargers are banking on Tyrod Taylor as the long-term answer, then why not go get him another target with one of the more premiere wideouts in this year’s class?
Lamb/Jeudy/Ruggs, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry would be one the league’s most lethal combos.
You can make the argument for left tackle being more of a priority, but it remains to be seen if the Chargers are banking on Trey Pipkins. Plus, a quarterback that is mobile helps with masking pass-blocking deficiencies.
Sounds crazy, right? Well, the draft is crazy in it’s own with a slew of twists and turns all throughout, putting the majority of those projections that we’ve seen to bed.
At the end of the day, it wouldn’t be surprising if it ultimately is a quarterback, offensive tackle or Simmons in Round 1 and they hold off on wide receiver position until Day 2, but on draft day, you always have to expect the unexpected.