Why Jordan Davis shouldn't be the Chargers pick at 17

1. DT is not a premium position that should be targeted with a first-round pick

Despite the run defense obviously being a big need for the Chargers as I stated earlier, spending first-round picks on the interior of the defensive line is not a premium value selection for any NFL team.

When selecting players with first-round picks, the objective should always be to pick players that will be cornerstones of the franchise for years to come. That goal is rarely achieved by picking interior lineman. Tom Telesco and the Chargers have failed to pick players in the first round that play in premium positions on many occasions, and that has ultimately come back to bite the franchise. Selections like Melvin Gordon, Kenneth Murray, Jerry Tillery, and Mike Williams are all examples of picks used on non-premium positions, and none of these players have turned out to be an overwhelming success.

Premium positions that should be targeted with first-round picks include quarterback, offensive tackle, pass rusher, and cornerback. The Chargers easily have needs at two of these four positions, and a case could be made for three of these positions being needs. Picking a player that can fill one of these positions should be of the utmost value for the Bolts, and going elsewhere would be a mistake in my opinion.

Realistically, LA should be targeting either an offensive lineman to play right tackle on the other side of Rashawn Slater, a corner to replace Chris Harris Jr., or a pass rusher if Uchenna Nwosu is let go in free agency.