Round 2, Pick 37: Austin Jackson, offensive tackle, USC
In the second round, Telesco goes…..with a likely contributor at a position of need.
While Telesco hasn’t always been perfect in the second round, he has frequently gotten immediate contributors such as Hunter Henry, Denzel Perryman, and Uchenna Nwosu. Here, Telesco attempts to solve one of the offensive line problems without using a first-round pick.
Austin Jackson is an unpolished talent, having only started in 12 games in his career. However, Jackson has elite size and strength for the position at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds.
While he can be inconsistent at times, Jackson has shown the ability to beat some of college football’s best edge rushers.
Watch USC LT Austin Jackson’s hand replacement… Epenesa knocks one down, replace!! Beautiful stuff
Thoughts on this kid… @BigDuke50 @geoffschwartz @BrandonThornNFL @BigWillie7179 pic.twitter.com/aQ3I5rNnIV
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 24, 2020
The Chargers may need to be a bit lucky for Jackson to fall down this far, but if he does, Telesco should be running to the podium to scoop up the athletic tackle. Jackson could start immediately at right tackle and provide more insurance at left tackle in the event that Russell Okung faces more medical issues next season.
Round 3, Pick 71: Keith Ismael, interior offensive lineman, San Diego State
In the third round, Telesco goes…..off the board.
Beyond his decision to draft Allen, Telesco has been extremely unpredictable in the third round. Most recently, this was highlighted by his willingness to select developmental prospect Trey Pipkins III even though Pipkins himself was stunned to be drafted on day two.
This shows that Telesco does not care what your board says. If he sees a player that he wants with qualities he likes, he will take him no matter what.
In this mock, Telesco knows he needs help on the interior of the offensive line at each position. Even if the reliable (if unspectacular) Michael Schofield is brought back in free agency, the center position is questionable with a major injury to Mike Pouncey, and the left guard position needs an upgrade over the poor-performing Dan Feeney and the oft-injured Forrest Lamp.
To solve all of these issues, Telesco selects the versatile Keith Ismael. Ismael has played all three interior offensive line positions in college, and his position at the NFL level is unclear.
While Ismael is further down most people’s boards than the third round (projected to be an early day 3 pick), he has earned first-team all-Mountain West honors the past two years and is a legit prospect.
Ismael has developmental potential and first what Telesco has been selecting in the third round.