It’s NFL draft season and with the combine coming up, it’s time to evaluate how the Los Angeles Chargers Draft picks will be used. The Chargers have a few positions that could use some help, and as we’ve recently seen, a good rookie class can propel a team further. With aspirations to get back to the playoffs next year, the pressure is on general manager Tom Telesco to fill the holes in this roster. Let’s review some spots where the Bolts can take certain positions.
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Chargers Draft Picks: Must Have
Tight End
The Chargers haven’t been able to develop their own tight-end talent since drafting Hunter Henry. Gerald Everett has been good for them but is more of a hybrid receiver rather than a blocking tight end. LAFB spoke to UCLA’s Michael Ezeike who noted that he would love to stay close to home. This class is pretty deep at tight end. So I’m sure the front office will grab a safety blanket for Herbert.
Tackle/Guard
There are a few spots on the offensive line that are locked in. Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Corey Linsley at center, and Zion Johnson at right guard are all locks for next season. This leaves a spot at left guard and right tackle not accounting for Jamaree Salyer. There’s a major need for depth on the line. I’d expect an offensive lineman with one of their first three picks.
Linebacker
Name a current Chargers linebacker off the top of your head. Unless you’re a knowledgeable fan you said Drue Tranquill, there are not really any notable names. Kyle Van Noy and Tranquil are both free agents this offseason, and while Tranquil earned his contract this past season, there’s not much young talent behind either.
Cornerback
Similar to tight end, the bolts have had veterans filling out the corners alongside young talent. J.C. Jackson underperformed last season while Michael Bandy and Asante Samuel Jr. did well. I’d suppose they go for a corner more for depth and to take over when players leave rather than expecting a day-one starter.
Chargers Draft Picks: Likely
Wide Receiver
The Chargers’ receiver room was a mess last season with no one healthy at the same time and a discontinuity the entire year. This left Justin Herbert working with whoever was the healthiest each week resulting in many thinking ‘what could have been.’ Jalen Guyton, DeAndre Carter, and Michael Bandy are all free agents. So some depth is needed. It’s not a guarantee, but if Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers, or Jaxon Smith-Njigba drop to their pick, they could land in LA with their first pick. LA has only really hit on one receiver recently; Mike Williams. So there are a few ways they could go.
Safety
Even though LA has one of the league’s best, their depth behind Derwin James is questionable. Nasir Adderley is a free agent this offseason and there’s not much competition behind him. I’d expect at least one free safety to be picked up.
Chargers Draft Picks: Probably not
Quarterback
The only way I could see a quarterback being drafted this year is if the front office decides not to re-sign Chase Daniel. There should be a priority on free agency to fill out the backup role, as there are many solid options like Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and Case Keenum.
Running Back
The front office has invested heavily in the running back room in recent years with Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller backing up Austin Ekeler. I think this group is pretty solid, and as Spiller gets more time to develop, he can take over the power-back role in the offense.
Defensive Line
Like running back, the defensive line has had lots of investments via the draft and free agency in recent years. There’s a lot of young talent and some free-agent vets that I’d expected to be back for cheap so I don’t see any major additions here.
