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LA Chargers: Draft shows even Coupon Tom knows how to roll the dice

By AJ Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Tom Telesco of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Tom Telesco
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Tom Telesco of the Los Angeles Chargers speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Tom Telesco /
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The LA Chargers shocked everyone by trading back into the first round to select Linebacker Kenneth Murray from Oklahoma.

The LA Chargers, and especially General Manager Tom Telesco, have been underwhelming when it comes to making trades. Telesco’s trade history really only includes late-round picks and conditional picks for role players who only stay around for a couple of years before heading elsewhere. It appears he is starting to get a little more aggressive as of late with two pretty big trades so far this season.

The first was a trade including Russell Okung for Trai Turner, a phenomenal move for the Chargers and a significant upgrade to the offensive line. Okung was just coming off a pulmonary embolism this season and was on the tail end of his prime. Trai Turner, on the other hand, is in his prime years and has already been to five pro bowls.

The second included a trade with the New England Patriots that gave the Chargers their first-round pick in exchange for a second and a third-round pick. With this pick, the Chargers selected Kenneth Murray, who fills the obvious need at linebacker. Murray will be a great addition to help the run defense this year.

A lot of fans questioned Telesco’s decision to go with Justin Herbert at six overall, instead of the popular Isiah Simmons, who’s playstyle as a plug and play type guy would compliment Derwin James very well.

At the time, Simmons felt like the right pick, looking back on it, however, picking Herbert at 6 allows the Chargers to focus on other needs in the later rounds instead of having to take a risk on a player like Hurts, or Fromm.

Telesco being more aggressive in trades should make most Charger fans happy as the Chargers are never really a part of those blockbuster trades. Hopefully this trend continues going forward, along with signing bigger name free agents.

How Kenneth Murray impacts the offensive line. Next

The last benefit of Telesco being more aggressive is the likeliness that a Joey Bosa deal gets done next offseason. Telesco’s stinginess has earned him the name “Coupon Tom” but it is time to put all faith in him to get the right deal done going forward.

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