Why a La'el Collins trade doesn't make sense for the LA Chargers
By Jason Reed
3. La'el Collins is not worth the draft capital on top of the money owed
It would probably take a second-round pick to trade for La'el Collins and the LA Chargers do not have a second-round pick in 2022. That could push the asking price to a first-round pick in 2023. While the Chargers could bet on themselves and figure that the pick will be in the 28-32 range anyway, it still is not worth it for Collins.
Collins is a good right tackle, don't get me wrong. I would be absolutely foolish to sit here and tell you that he is not a good right tackle. However, is he good enough to warrant spending all of the remaining cap space and a premium draft pick for? Probably not.
Per Pro Football Focus, Collins allowed 17 pressures in 2021, 26 pressure in 2019 and 46 pressures in 2018. His efficiency rates in those three years were 97.7%, 97.5%, and 95.6%. He is an elite run blocker without question, but as a pass blocker, the Chargers could get similar production for far cheaper.
Compare his numbers to someone who I personally am really high on as a budget signing, Cornelius Lucas. Lucas' efficiency rate over the last three years is 95.7%, 97.7% and 97.7%, practically identical to that of Collins.
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Lucas is projected to get a two-year, $5 million contract and would not require trading draft capital for. That route, as well as just drafting a tackle at 17, is a more cost-effective route for the Bolts.