LA Chargers: The role each draft pick will play in 2020

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 28: K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stiff arms Grant Haley #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn Statte 39-38. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 28: K.J. Hill #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stiff arms Grant Haley #15 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Penn Statte 39-38. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) – LA Chargers

WR K.J. Hill, Ohio State

If someone had told me prior to the draft that Hill would be a seventh-rounder, I would’ve called them crazy. Hill didn’t just have a third to fourth-round grade from me but from most draft aficionados.

What seemed to happen during the draft is that teams were looking for tall or fast receivers in day one or two, so solid slot receivers generally slid. Hill isn’t very fast, but his production and technique are really solid for a day three receiver.

The Chargers badly needed a slot receiver who can be a threat while Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are on the outside. Hill is one of the best route runners in the draft class, and I’d go as far as to say that he has the most refined footwork out of any receiver drafted.

Similarly to Reed, Hill also has very good hands. He never dropped a 25+ yard pass and has the record for most receptions by an Ohio State receiver of all time. Hill will immediately compete for the third receiver role and benefit from playing on the inside with Allen and Williams on the outside. He could be one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL over the next decade.

The Chargers put together a pretty solid draft class that will have an impact on the team for years to come. Herbert probably won’t start in 2020, but he’s going to gain valuable experience and reps in his first NFL season. Murray will be an instant starting linebacker from day one.

Kelley can be a solid bruising power runner behind Ekeler and Jackson as he earns a role over time. Reed and Hill will compete for crucial receiving roles from day one. While Gilman may not be a starting safety, he brings good depth to the position.

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