LA Chargers stick with Jordan Love in April 2020 Mock Draft
Round 6, Pick 186: TE Charlie Taumoepeau, Portland State
In my draft sleepers piece, Charlie Taumoepeau was one of the sleepers I touched on. He’s going to go somewhere in the sixth or seventh round after a really impressive combine where he showed great speed.
With his blocking ability and quickness, he’s a good fit for the Chargers. The team will need a backup tight end with Virgil Green coming up on the last year of his contract. Green is mainly used in a blocking role anyway, so it could end up being a one for one replacement down the line. The Chargers could also decide to use him in a fullback role with the departure of Derek Watt to Pittsburgh.
Taumoepeau really has an advantage on athletic upside over some of the other tight ends the Chargers can get at this point in the draft. He’s really hard to take down and is a bulldozer in the open field. Hunter Henry is undoubtedly the tight end of the future for the team, but there’s a decent chance Taumoepeau can supplement that in two tight end sets.
Portland State TE Charlie Taumoepeau needs more buzz. He should test well at the combine. Really good after the catch
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) February 15, 2020
Round 7, Pick 220: OT Jon Runyan, Michigan
The Chargers double down on the offensive line here and take the son of former Pro Bowl tackle Jon Runyan. Runyan played tackle at Michigan, but it wouldn’t surprise me if NFL GM’s see him as someone who might be a swing tackle or even a guard on the inside. Developing from the inside first on the line might not be a bad idea.
Runyan has decent athleticism but has a sub-par body by NFL standards. In particular, his arms and hands don’t always give him the best push or leverage. Being that it’s this deep in the draft though, taking someone with good footwork and athleticism as a project tackle is OK. He had very good moments in 2019 vs. Chase Young and other top tier edge defenders.
Next. What might happen with Mike Pouncey
The draft is starting to take shape for the LA Chargers, as the quarterbacks are narrowed down to Love and Herbert. For now, Love has a slight edge in terms of who the Chargers favor. Queen has the potential to eventually be the number one linebacker. Pittman can be the third receiver the team desperately needs.
Bartch and Runyan provide some much-needed tackle support. Hand has the potential to be a quality zone corner in the NFL. Taumoepeau is a draft sleeper who could make a big difference somewhere with his blocking ability.