LA Chargers mock draft with Brandon Staley as the head coach
By Jason Reed
With the 77th overall pick, the LA Chargers select Joe Tryon, OLB, Washington
This is a pick that is much more likely with Staley as the head coach if the team switches to a 3-4 defense, of course. Tryon opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, which hurts his draft stock some, as I think he could have been an early-to-mid second-rounder.
This is about potential. The Chargers take the risk here in taking someone who did not play in 2020 because of his potential. Tryon projects to be a starting-caliber outside linebacker right away in the NFL and would give the Bolts needed depth at the position.
It is a bit cloudly on who the Chargers would have be the second outside linebacker alongside Uchenna Nwosu. Joey Bosa could fill in there, but he is going to spend much more time at defensive end on the front three.
There is a really good chance that the team signs Leonard Floyd for OLB depth, but even then, there is nothing wrong with adding young depth to the fold.
With the 97th overall pick, the LA Chargers select Rodarius Williams, CB, Oklahoma State
I am someone who has been hammering home that the Chargers should draft three offensive linemen with the first four picks but Vera-Tucker fell to the Bolts and I would have reached if I went with an offensive lineman at 97.
Instead, the Bolts get much-needed cornerback help and get someone who has NFL size and speed and is a four-year starter at Oklahoma State. The ceiling might not be massive with Williams, but he played really well in 2020 and the floor is relatively high.