LA Chargers mock draft: Bolts rebuild defense in fan-selected mock draft
By Jason Reed
With the 79th pick in this LA Chargers mock draft, the Bolts select Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
Despite not currently having a starting right tackle for next season (because Bryan Bulaga will eventually be released), our followers have not picked a right tackle yet for the Bolts. This would indicate that the team finds a starting-caliber right tackle on the market and while the market is not deep, there are some options to consider.
It might be better to forego the right tackle position if it reaches this point in the 2022 NFL Draft and the team has not yet taken one. Of course, if they reach this point that probably means that they signed one, but a third-round tackle is definitely not a sure thing.
Instead, the Bolts take another edge rusher from USC and take Drake Jackson. While Uchenna Nwosu probably has the biggest chance of not re-signing this offseason, Jackson could be the pick with or without Nwosu for depth.
That is important to realize when we go through various mock drafts. There is always a learning curve with rookies and if the Chargers are planning on replacing Nwosu in the 2022 NFL Draft then they have to pick someone who can start, therefore indicating that it would have to be a pick in the first two rounds.
That does not mean Jackson is a bad prospect. He definitely fits as a 3-4 outside linebacker and ironically enough is pretty polished for a draft prospect in stopping the run. If the Bolts sign a pass-rushing edge rusher who has his holes in run defense then Jackson might be the pick to help shore up that area of the defense.