Los Angeles Chargers
r/Chargers
Hey, so I’m back with a new mock draft and NFL combine is already over. That means either stock of players is gonna go up or down, so the PFF draft simulator might change player ranks to reflect that.
This time around, I’m thinking about going into this draft with the goal of upgrading the defensive line. Many would be turned off by this, because majority are hammering for a more offensive-focused draft. However, it’s still important to address it since we still are not good in run defense, and I do think drafting a young EDGE or DL will be beneficial to the Chargers (plus its refreshing).
I should also add that I decided to trade back by giving the 21st pick to the NY Giants for a 25th and 89th picks. The reason I chose the Giants is that they will be fairly interested in getting a top OG in the first round. This will help with getting another offensive weapon or adding more depth to our team.
NOTE: I’m drafting under the assumption that Drue Tranquill comes back, and that we resign Pipkins or sign a cheaper FA target (e.g. La’el Collins).
1st round, 25th pick - Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
In case no one’s heard, this draft is gonna end up having the best EDGE class. If Nolan stayed for one more season at Georgia, he would’ve been a top-10 pick next year. I can see Smith’s draft stock rise thanks to his combine performance, but I believe he can land with the Chargers. He pulled off a 4.39 sec 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical, and 10-foot-8 broad jump. Though he hasn’t participated in any drills, just take a look at his highlights from his time at Georgia and you can see that he’s special. He is underdeveloped for a pass rusher, but the moment he works alongside Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, he’ll be an excellent rotational pass rusher for the Chargers, and end up being a starter long-term. Highlights: https://youtu.be/F-b-PjPDs24 Combine: https://youtube.com/shorts/Jc6qqpVgCaM?feature=share
2nd round, 53rd pick - Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL, Northwestern
This is my second time in a row picking him in a mock draft. I would’ve picked Dawand Jones if we don’t have a RT, or an offensive weapon like Josh Downs or Tank Dell. In the end, I just went with Adebawore because it just makes too much sense. Adebawore brings versatility to the defensive and has penetration quickness and a high motor to attack opposing offensive lines. And if that’s not enough to convince you, Adebawore ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash and registering a 37.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5-inch broad jump. He is undersized but has excellent arm length (33 in.), so I can see Staley using him a lot in this defense, the same way he used Morgan Fox. He’ll also serve as good depth behind SJD and Johnson. Highlights: https://youtu.be/vnV7ZlGubhc Combine: https://youtube.com/shorts/3PM2iOeeMB4
3rd round, 85th pick - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Iowa is known for producing great TE’s, such as George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, and Noah Fant. Sam LaPorta will become the next best TE, and the Chargers will land him. LaPorta is a player who is great in route-running, has great YAC ability, and is a competitive player. Looking at his highlights, he does remind me of a George Kittle. At the combine, LaPorta posted a 4.59-sec. 40-yard dash, 35-inch vertical and 6.91-second three-cone drill. He’ll need more work in improving his blocking, but Herbert gets another solid weapon in LaPorta alongside Everett. Highlights: https://youtu.be/xkRmqsBY42E Combine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM8mTZ-mhWc
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