LA Chargers mock draft: Trading up for Penei Sewell if he falls to 7
By Jason Reed
With the 97th overall pick, the LA Chargers select Quincy Roche, OLB, Miami
The LA Chargers address the team’s two biggest defensive needs with the two selections in the third round. Charger fans should be ecstatic if the Bolts get either of these players in the third round as they would be getting fairly good value in both picks.
We as fans tend to overrate draft picks and expect every mid-round pick to have a big impact when that simply is not realistic. However, Melifonwu and Roche would be two great third-round picks that could actually have a tangible impact in day one, special if they are used properly.
Roche can play the weak-side on the LA Chargers front and gives the team a second outside linebacker. Staley has not fully committed to changing to a 3-4 defense but it appears as if the team is going that direction.
If so, the Chargers really need a second outside linebacker as Uchenna Nwosu is the team’s only real option. Joey Bosa will better be utilized like Aaron Donald while Kenneth Murray is playing behind the ball on the inside.
Roche is a talented speed rusher who would instantly boost the Chargers’ ability to get pressure on the quarterback. However, what makes him exciting as a prospect is his potential versatility at the position.
Roche can more than hold his own in the run game, giving the Chargers a rookie that they can feel comfortable playing most snaps. The team should probably still bring in more depth, perhaps Melvin Ingram, but getting a rookie that has the capability to play every down is huge.