LA Chargers select Jordan Love in March 2020 Mock Draft
Round 6, Pick 186: RB Lamical Perine, Florida
Both of my previous drafts have had the Chargers taking running backs in the sixth and seventh round, respectively. That holds true here. Lamical Perine was the running back in my January draft, with the same pick also.
Mainly, what Perine provides is size and speed. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have speed, but they’re both pretty small in stature. Perine has about 20 pounds on the 6’0″ Jackson. He’s the running back the Chargers would be able to put on the goal line with pretty high confidence, especially since Melvin Gordon is likely not back next year.
Perine is ultimately a late-round prospect that doesn’t have to have an immediate impact right away with Ekeler, Jackson, and maybe a free agent back or Troymaine Pope in front of him. He can contribute when needed and grow his role with the team over time, and that’s practically what he did at Florida, even though he never became the full-time starter.
While Perine is known for his power, he’s also not a slouch when it comes to breakaway speed, especially downhill. His 4.62 40 yard dash at the combine almost does a disservice to some his game tape. Getting away from SEC defenses isn’t easy:
The Gators took it to Auburn and Lamical Perine iced it late with a HUGE touchdown run! The Gators moved to 6-0 on the season and will take on LSU this upcoming Saturday!
(Via @CBSSports)pic.twitter.com/99FuYbLgvX
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) October 10, 2019
Round 7, Pick 220: TE Jacob Breeland, Oregon
It’s a weaker tight end class in my opinion. That’s part of what made the franchise tag given to Hunter Henry so significant. However, questions remain behind Henry.
The LA Chargers have never been crazy enthused about giving Virgil Green more time on the field. Jacob Breeland is an OK pass-catcher with some nice blocking ability, and with Henry being such a constant fixture in the offense, that’s all the Chargers really need here.
His footwork and route running are the two real issues he may have in the NFL, but again, it’s the seventh round. There’s not surefire prospects here anymore. If the Chargers can work him into the scheme every couple of games like they did Sean Culkin, that’s all Breeland really needs. If he shows off some improved route running, maybe he’ll get even more time.
Next. Top six picks for the Chargers at six
The LA Chargers find their future project in Love early in the draft. They also get him a great tackle in Jackson, who’s got great strength and good point of attack power. Hall and Quarterman are awesome defensive prospects with their tackling ability. In Hall’s case, he really has a chance to play next to Hayward for the next number of years if developed properly.
Claypool is a nice complementary receiver to Allen and Williams, especially with his speed. Perine and Breeland are depth pieces that could be further developed on offense at the next level, especially with not a ton of pressure to make an impact early.