7-round Chargers mock draft following free agency moves

With the 54th pick, the LA Chargers select Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M

Perhaps the biggest storyline currently hanging over the LA Chargers is what the team is going to do with Austin Ekeler. Ekeler requested permission to seek out a trade, was granted said permission and has been working toward getting paid what he feels is fair.

While Ekeler has been underpaid compared to his production over the last few years, he is the one that signed a new deal earlier than he had to. Now, the running back market has completely taken a hit and at 28 years old, Ekeler is going to be hard-pressed to find a team that pays him what he wants on a new deal.

Regardless of whether Ekeler stays or leaves, drafting a running back this early might be in the cards. Ekeler struggled in running between the tackles last season and even if he stays, getting a running back with a high ceiling could be the best route.

The team reaches a bit here in the second round for Devon Achane, who is predicted to be an early third-round pick, but they do so because of his athleticism and ability to contribute both in the running game and passing game.

Achane is probably the best comparison to Ekeler in this draft class and if Ekeler does leave, the Chargers could bring Achane in to be an Ekeler replacement. Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller (if he is even NFL-ready) can make up the rest of the running back rotation.