The Los Angeles Chargers head into the NFL draft with more than a few roster needs to fill. While the most glaring holes are on the defense, the most pressing ones are on the other side of the ball.
The sting of the Chargers’ embarrassing Houston playoff loss still lingers. The causes of the loss were stunning- an offensive line that couldn’t protect, pass catchers that couldn’t catch, and a toothless running attack.
In his new three-round mock draft for The Athletic, Nick Baumgardner attempts to get at the heart of the matter. He selects, running back Omarion Hampton with pick 22, tight end Mason Taylor at 55m, and offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea with 86.
Los Angeles Chargers Draft: 3 Round Mock
22. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
“Jim Harbaugh’s backfield needs thunder and lightning. And Hampton, a 221-pound hammer with speed and wiggle, can be both at the same time. Not only did he rush for more than 3,000 combined yards the last two years, but also he had more than 60 catches,” Baumgardner writes.
55. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
“I’m not ruling out the possibility of someone at the bottom of the first taking a swing at Taylor, the athletic, sure-handed son of ex-NFL star Jason Taylor (and nephew of Zach Thomas). Few coaches in the NFL have better eyes for TE talent than Jim Harbaugh.”
86. Jonah Savaiinaea, G/OT, Arizona
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Savaiinaea as the second-best guard in the draft and the 52nd best overall, writing, “A physically imposing blocker, Savaiinaea is both alert and powerful with the competitive demeanor to complete his assignment. Though he has the length and functional movements to stay at tackle, his square play style and bear-claw hands are better suited inside at guard, where he can develop into an NFL starter.”
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