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Chargers land Andrew Thomas with first pick in January 2020 mock draft

By Alexander Insdorf

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 30: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrate's following the Georgia Bulldogs win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 52-7 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 30: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrate's following the Georgia Bulldogs win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 52-7 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 19: Bryant Gantt, Jake Fromm #11, and Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs pray following the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on October 19, 2019, in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 19: Bryant Gantt, Jake Fromm #11, and Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs pray following the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on October 19, 2019, in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

With the Los Angeles Chargers’ season officially done, it’s time for mock draft season! Who do the Chargers take in all seven rounds if the draft was in January?

With their highest pick since 2016, all eyes remain on the what the Chargers might do in the draft. Some of the narratives heading in include Philip Rivers and his free-agent situation, as well as needing a young replacement eventually anyway.

Bulking up the offensive line probably is the biggest concern for the Chargers heading in, but it also depends on what they do in free agency in terms of filling holes.

Completing the mock draft was done through The Draft Network’s mock draft machine. The team’s main needs for the Chargers included offensive line, quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker, and interior defensive line. The draft was done on January 11th, as a disclaimer, since the draft could change entirely with some players going back to school.

Round 1, Pick 6: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Everyone knows the Chargers have to draft for the offensive line. The decision in the first round will likely come down to a quarterback or offensive tackle. In this mock, Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa were already off the board, to Cincinnati and Miami respectively. Justin Herbert could be good, but it feels hard to sell him with the first pick with his flaws in progressions.

If it isn’t Burrow or Tua, the Chargers should pass on the quarterback position in the first round. Andrew Thomas is as close as it comes to a consensus best lineman in the draft. His power, reaction to opposing defenders, and timing are all on point. Just ask Josh Allen:

Andrew Thomas vs Josh Allen — good grief!pic.twitter.com/4e9Lg77KIS

— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) May 27, 2019

Thomas would help an offensive line that is going to go through a period of rebuilding. The future of Russell Okung is anything but certain unfortunately with his health. Mike Pouncey will be coming back after a season where he suffered a season-ending neck injury. Trey Pipkins and Forrest Lamp looked good at points in 2019, but there’s still a lot of development really needed there. Drafting Thomas continues an offensive line rebuild with one of, if not the best lineman in the draft.

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