Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft 2.0
By Mike Murray
Draft Day is nearly upon us and I have no clue what direction the Chargers are going, which is really no different from the last two years.
Both first-round picks were shockers to me. Maybe that is a sign for me to quit trying to guess what the Chargers’ draft team is up to… maybe… nah forget that.
For me this year seems to be wide open. Usually you got a pretty good grasp on the first five or 10 picks. This year I have no clue who is going where, which makes it quite difficult to predict number 17.
My favorite mock that I have seen was Maurice Hurst dropping to No. 9 and the Chargers sending their first- and second-round picks to the Niners to get the ninth overall selection and scoop him up. Uh… yeah. That would be awesome.
Before we get to dream scenarios, let’s just take a little look at the team needs. I know Tom Telesco does not care about team needs (see the Mike Williams pick from last year). And no, I will not let it go (I WANT MALIK HOOKER BACK!). But let’s look anyway: DT, OT, LB and safety are the big ones.
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Unfortunately for the Chargers, the offensive tackle depth in this draft is dismal. Mike McGlinchey is the only one who can probably drop in Day 1 and play. Even with that, most project him to be an average NFL OT. Most of the prospects after that come with the clause of “will probably need to shift to guard in the NFL.” Boy, that gets me real excited about drafting one of those guys (please note heavy sarcasm here).
So taking McGlinchey at 17 would be poor value and there are no other starters, so look to fill that need with a late-round developmental player.
Now to be honest, I don’t think safety is on the Chargers’ radar because I think they feel like they got a guy in the building who can fill that role. Maybe Adrian Phillips, Desmond King or Rayshawn Jenkins. But safety is on my radar and today I get to play GM so here we go..
Round 1 – Derwin James
Like Hooker slid last year, James will slide this year down to 17. At this point in the draft room, Gus Bradley grabs TT by the throat and says, “Give me a freaking safety!” Tommy T. gives in and why wouldn’t he? James is a physical beast and he is the type of player that TT likes to draft: Raw physical talent.
Round 2 – Tim Settle
The Chargers need a mountain of a man in the middle, and this guy fits the bill. The run defense needs to be improved and despite Telesco’s desire to draft BPA, he still can’t forget that throat grab in the first round and decides to give Bradley another much needed piece.
Round 3 – Malik Jefferson or Jerome Baker or Shaquem Griffin.
Denzel Perryman just happened to stop by the war room before this pick and gave Telesco a little stare down. Did that influence the pick… I’m not sure.
Beyond this the Chargers will just grab BPA. Tommy will find some good athletes and bring them in to compete like he does every year. This is where Telesco really shines. He has done a great job finding players in rounds 5-7 who can come in and contribute. Not to mention the excellent work he has done with UDFAs.