Los Angeles Chargers end of season mock draft

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Troy Pride Jr. #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts on the field after being defeated by the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. Clemson defeated Notre Dame 30-3.(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers sixth-round Selection: Troy Pride Jr., cornerback, Notre Dame

Cornerback is a big need for the Chargers for a multitude of reasons. First off, King took a big step back in 2019, failing to make an impact in the return game and as a defender.

King gave up multiple big-play touchdowns over the course of the season and seemingly allowed every throw his way to be caught with ease.

The second big reason to draft Pride is that Michael Davis continued to be picked on, especially on the deep passed that required him to get his head around. It was almost a given that the Chargers would be the victim of a pass interference call when there was a deep ball that went Davis’ way.

Other than Davis, you had Brandon Facyson, and while Facyson looked much better down the stretch, specifically as a tackler, his ceiling isn’t all that high.

The third big reason is that Pride Jr. can play ball. Pride works his best when playing off coverage, his closing and reactions are both great, giving me a reason to believe he would do very well in the cover 3 scheme that the Chargers run under Gus Bradley. Pride also has the benefit of being versatile, showing the ability to cover both Tight Ends and Running Backs. He is willing to make the tackles off the edge, and that might come in handy should he need to replace Desmond King at the slot corner role. That said, I do believe King bounces back in 2020, and that Pride will find a spot on the outside, opposite of star corner Casey Hayward.

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