With the 68th overall pick, the LA Chargers select Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
The LA Chargers’ secondary has not been great this season, although it has improved a tad over the last few weeks. Michael Davis has stepped up and the team has gotten better with Chris Harris on the field.
However, Casey Hayward has regressed and Harris still is on the wrong side of 30. The Chargers’ secondary is getting old and the team should start addressing that depth with youth before picking a cornerback earlier in the draft likely in 2021.
Israel Mukuamu is a good start. Mukuamu is six-three and has a long, lengthy frame that makes him a really solid deep-pass defender. He also uses his long frame to be a sure tackler, something that the Chargers certainly need.
I would much rather prefer seeing Mukuamu staggering snaps with Davis at CB2 than Brandon Facyson. His sure tackling could also help in the special teams department as well.
With the 97th overall pick, the LA Chargers select Ben Cleveland, G, Georgia
The LA Chargers get this pick for Philip Rivers signing with the Indianapolis Colts and use it to further protect their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert. Yes, this is the third offensive lineman picked in three rounds but the Chargers really need it.
Cleveland is another big offensive guard, standing at six-six, and has all of the basic tools to succeed in the NFL. He lacks exceptional athleticism for a tackle that would make him an elite prospect but he is one of the safer picks, especially in the mid-rounds of the draft.