LA Chargers mock draft: Trading up after first wave of free agency

With the 118th overall pick, the LA Chargers select James Wiggins, S, Cincinnati

There are several positions that you might think the LA Chargers will take before the safety position in the 2021 NFL Draft, but there is a reason that I am going with safety here over the other needs. Let’s break down those other needs, shall we?

• Tight end: At this point in the draft and who is available, a tight end in the late rounds is no different than taking a tight end here in the fourth round. Bad value.
• Wide receiver: I personally do not see the Chargers taking a wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Tyron Johnson, Jalen Guyton, Joe Reed and K.J. Hill is a good enough receiver corps for 2021.
• Interior defensive lineman: Similar to the tight end position, we will get back to it.
• Offensive line depth: There is a very specific offensive lineman to target later in the draft.
• Running back: After drafting Joshua Kelley in the fourth round last year that is the last thing the Chargers should do. In fact, they are better off signing a cheap depth running back at this point.

Okay, I digress.

The LA Chargers need depth at the safety position with Rayshawn Jenkins signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, especially as the team moves to run more two-deep safeties. With Derwin James also spending time in the box, the Chargers need more than just Nasir Adderley and Alohi Gilman as the other options.

James Wiggins is a decent prospect who fits the vision of this Chargers team. He is versatile and can line up in multiple different positions across the defense. Not only should he be a fine safety in a split-zone coverage, but he can also play in the slot as well.