Los Angeles Chargers 7-Round 2020 Mock Draft 1.0

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The Los Angeles Chargers And Los Angeles Rams Will Battle Throughout The Season For Supremacy In The City Of Angels

The Los Angeles Chargers won free agency, now it is on to the 2020 NFL Draft. While the first two rounds may seem like a no brainer, are they? And what about the next five rounds?

Here is a mock draft that goes seven rounds, but with no trades (and we know there will be trades)

Los Angeles Chargers 7-Round 2020 Mock Draft 1.0

Round 1 – Pick 6

The Need

There is no question that the Chargers are all in on starting Tyrod Taylor under center this season. What about next season? The Chargers desperately need a face of the franchise and a quarterback that gives them a fighters chance for the next decade.

The Pick

Tua Tagovailoa is the one. There are varying reports out there…Miami Dolphins love him…Dolphins hate him.  He won’t be there at six…he will be there at six.

This is just what the Chargers need. Not only is Tagovailoa charismatic, so check off the face of the franchise, but he is a quality dual-threat quarterback that would fit perfectly in Anthony Lynn‘s offensive scheme that he wants to implement.

Tagovailoa suffered a well documented hip injury last season. Before that, he was hobbled with an ankle injury, so the injury history is a concern, but his talent and winning pedigree should outweigh the doubt.

Round 2 – Pick 37

The Need

Explosion at the wide receiver position. There is no question that both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are really good receivers. What the Chargers need is some explosion downfield. Luckily, this is a very deep and talented wide receiver draft class.

The Pick

First, let’s talk about the pick. I need everyone to take a breath here. In every NFL Draft, there is an outlier, this is my outlier. There are nine teams that are in desperate need of a wide receiver. Of those nine, six teams pick ahead of this second-round selection.

As I have been told, no one is picking Ruggs to fall this far, except me. Call this my D.K. Metcalf moment.  Ruggs will be foiled by these unprecedented times and fall to the Chargers at #37.

Henry Ruggs is the pick. In any other draft, Ruggs would be a first-round selection. Again the depth of the draft and the lack of playing time (four years span, has only 98 receptions for 24 touchdowns and 1,716 yards) works in the Chargers favor. There is also the fact that he has never had more than 46 receptions or 744 receiving yards in a season. In 2019 he caught 40 passes, which is the lowest amount among top receivers.

Yes, he dominated the Combine (as did Metcalf), but without teams getting to have a face to face or a pro-day, his lack of on-field production (by no fault of his own) will drop him in the draft.

Ruggs has blazing speed, shown by his 4.27 combine time. He is only 5’11” and 188 pounds, but his route running and ability to break tackles and get yards after the catch are qualities he possesses.

Now I say this knowing that Ruggs could be the first receiver off the board (that too would be an outlier) but I predict his lack of production on the field will drop him in the draft.

The Teams Picking Ahead of Chargers Who Need Wide Receiver

Las Vegas Raiders #12 – Jerry Jeudy

San Francisco 49ers #13 – CeeDee Lamb

Denver Broncos #15 – Laviska Shenault Jr. (Hometown pick)

Philadelphia Eagles #21 – Here is where it gets interesting as the Eagles could disrupt and take Ruggs or go for Brandon Aiyuk or Jalen Reagor.

Minnesota Vikings #22, #25 – Justin Jefferson

Green Bay Packers #30 – Tee Higgins

Round 3 – Pick 71

The Need

If history has taught us anything it’s that if you are a Charger you can never have too many quality offensive linemen. All of the big four tackles will be gone by the third round. There are still a couple of guys who fill what the Chargers need.

The Pick

Yasir Durant out of Missouri is the pick. Durant can play both swing tackle or guard. His strength lies in his ability to pass protect and at 6’6″ and 331 pounds with 34 3/4″ arm length he uses his bulk and length well.

Is this a reach? Maybe. But depth is a major concern even with the free agency gains and the late free agency addition of Storm Norton.

Round 4 – Pick 112

The Need

Outside cornerback to solidify an already impressive secondary. Chris Harris Jr., joining the Chargers was a coup d’état. But there is still a need for someone to play opposite Casey Hayward and depth is a concern.

The Pick

A.J. Green, not that one, the cornerback out of Oklahoma State. This may be earlier than some have him going, but the need is there and he is according to 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons, “…A physical player on the perimeter, in coverage, he’s got good ball skills, six interceptions over the course of his career.”

Round 5 – Pick 151

The Need

The tight end position is not one of immediate need, especially after signing Donald Parham, but Hunter Henry is injury prone and the franchise tag is only good for one year.

The Pick

Harrison Bryant out of Florida Atlantic is the choice. Bryant moved from offensive tackle to tight end his senior year in high school. In his senior year in college, he led all tight ends in the nation with seven touchdowns and 1,004 yards on 65 receptions.  He was named the John Mackey Award winner as the top tight end in the nation. In addition to his ability to catch passes, he is an excellent pass blocker.

Round 6 – Pick 186

The Need

While Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are going to surprise many with their ability to command the field, it doesn’t hurt to have a quality back-up. Especially if you can get that quality in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.

The Pick

This year’s running back class is not as heralded as past classes, that doesn’t mean there is not quality to be had in the later rounds.

Raymond Calais out of Louisiana-Lafayette is the pick. Calais averaged 7.7 yards per carry last season. At 5’5″ and 188 pounds he is a smaller back but his ability to get around defenses is a plus. He has also shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

Round 7 – Pick 220

The Need

It has been an offensive draft for the Chargers, now it is time to pick up a quality defensive player.

The Pick

Defensive lineman Robert Windsor is the choice for the seventh round. Windsor is out of Penn State so he has played against quality opponents, starting 25 games in his last two seasons. He never gives up on plays and at 6’5″ and 290 pounds, he stands firm on the defensive line.

The 2020 NFL Draft while not in Las Vegas will go on as scheduled. The Chargers have little in the area of desperation but are still in need of quality back-ups in pivotal areas. Will general manager Tom Telesco continue to rule?