The Los Angeles Chargers Top Draft Targets
After a turbulent season in 2017, the Los Angeles Chargers stunned the NFL community when they made the playoffs in 2018. While their existing talent got them to the Divisional Round last season it was not enough to overcome the New England Patriots. The NFL Draft is coming up and with it comes endless possibilities. The following is a list of positions of need from greatest to least for the Chargers and the top two players they should consider for each position.
The Los Angeles Chargers Top Draft Needs
Offensive Line
He is good size for a guard at 6’4” 308 lbs. He ran 4.91 in the 40-yard dash and lifted 25 times on the bench press at the NFL Combine. Lindstrom is highly regarded for his exceptional quickness against his opponents. Due to his skills and measurements, he is expected to be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft.
He has good size for a guard at 6’4” 303 lbs. He ran a blazing 4.89 in the 40-yard dash and lifted 29 times on the bench press at the NFL Combine. While he primarily played center in college, as a three-year starter, he should be able to adapt quickly to guard as the Chargers already have Mike Pouncey as their center. McCoy is regarded as an instant starter in the NFL and will most likely be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft.
Linebacker
The son of former NFL safety Devin Bush Sr. looks ready to take the league by storm. He is a bit small at 5’11” 235 lbs, but he impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, lifting 21 times in the bench press, and jumping an impressive 40.5 inches in the vertical jump. He has been praised for his footwork and his coverage ability. He will probably be drafted in the 1st or 2nd round of the NFL Draft.
Wilson has decent size at 6’1” 240 lbs and was a part of a dominant University of Alabama defense. He recorded 65 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack in 2018. He will probably be drafted in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft.
Defensive Tackle
The Chargers will have to move up to get him as he was widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL Draft before the 2018 season even began. He is small for a defensive tackle at just 6’2” 287 lbs. However, he is powerful having benched 32 times and jumping 36 inches at the NFL Combine. His production dipped a bit in 2018 with only 3.5 sacks but he still recorded a very respectable 14.5 tackles for loss. Despite a somewhat disappointing junior season he is still projected to be a top 15 pick in the NFL Draft.
Perhaps the best player on the nation’s top defensive line, he imposed his will on offenses throughout his college career. He is well built at 6’3” 315 lbs and is fast, running 5.04 in the 40-yard dash. He recorded 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks his senior year as he led his Clemson Tigers to the National Championship Game. He has first round talent and will be treated as such at the NFL Draft.
Cornerback
He is big for the position at 6’2” and 205 lbs. However, this is not a detriment as NFL teams covet players with his size who can play well at cornerback. He ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and bench pressed 17 times at the NFL Combine. With his physical gifts, he should be picked anywhere from the 2nd to the 4th round of the NFL Draft.
Mullen contributed to an excellent Clemson defense which was dominated by their front four. He recorded 36 tackles, two sacks and an interception in 2018. He has good size and speed and should be able to contribute immediately. He will most likely get drafted between the 3rd and 6th rounds of the NFL Draft.
Free Safety
McIntosh played well at safety for the University of Washington and led a talented defense to the Rose Bowl. He finished his senior season with 57 tackles and two forced fumbles. He only had two interceptions in his college career but did record a career high 67 tackles in 2016. He is projected to be taken between the 4th and 6th rounds of the NFL Draft.
At 5’11” and weighing just 190 lbs, he is small for a free safety but he makes up for it with his relentless work ethic. He is a former wide out so he should have a higher ceiling for interceptions. He recorded just 49 tackles and one interception last season and will probably be selected in the later rounds of the Draft.