The Chargers are hoping to find the right pieces to turn things around after an unexpected down season in the upcoming draft.
However, the draft rarely goes according to plan. Trades will occur and surprising selections will be made, leaving fans with their mock drafts they made in shambles.
With that, let’s take a look at three bold scenarios that might happen that supporters of the Bolts might not expect to happen:
Offensive line is not addressed, at all
The offensive line sits atop of the positional needs list, even after the acquisitions of tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner.
Can Trey Pipkins be trusted with the starting role at left tackle? Has Dan Feeney really proven his worth at left guard? Will Forrest Lamp stay healthy? Will Mike Pouncey play another snap of football?
These are commonly asked questions, which leads to many assuming that the positional groups will be addressed in a couple of weeks.
However, is there a possibility that the team could be relying on new offensive line coach James Campen to revitalize the unit with the pieces they currently have on the roster?
During his time with the Packers, Campen turned a slew of mid-late round projects into Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. This could lead to the possibility of them banking on his coaching to develop Pipkins, Feeney, Lamp, Scott Quessenberry and Trent Scott.
It seems far fetched, especially when the tackle class is the deepest that it’s been in years. But Campen could really see potential with the guys that they have, and elect to not bring in any more.
Running back is taken in Round 2
Coach Anthony Lynn’s offensive philosophy has always been run-heavy. Now that the Chargers will have a mobile quarterback in Tyrod Taylor and possibly a rookie behind him, he can make that come to fruition.
The Melvin Gordon era came to an end after he signed with the Broncos, leaving Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson as the only two backs on the roster.
Ekeler signed a four-year extension, indicating that he proved his worth in the past few seasons. But it remains to be seen if he will be the permanent bell cow, considering his value not only as a runner but as a pass-catcher in the slot and out wide.
Los Angeles could have plans to give that role to Jackson, too. Or, they could simply start fresh with a new running back as the featured starter.
With that being said, in order to establish the running game, the Bolts consider taking Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins, Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor, Georgia’s D’Andre Swift or LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire with their second-round pick.
Tight end is taken before wide receiver
If you take a look at the majority of the mock drafts out there, a wide receiver is taken as early as Round 2.
While the Chargers have Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, they are lacking a reliable presence on the outside that was once possesses by Tyrell Williams, which is why a position is the pressing need.
But one position that’s not brought up in discussion as much of a need that often is the tight end group.
But why should it be?
Los Angeles is notorious for not shying away from selecting a player at a various position that’s been hit with injuries. Tight end Hunter Henry is coming off his second consecutive severe lower body injury.
Henry had the franchise tagged placed on him last month, indicating that his services are wanted for next season. But rather than signing him to a long-term deal, they likely want to see if he can stay healthy for a full season.
L.A. currently has Virgil Green penciled in as Henry’s backup, but Green only has one more year left on his contract and he hasn’t done much to prove he’s worth being brought back following 2020.
Former XFL star Donald Parham was recently acquired to a two-year deal. While he offers a unique skillset as a pass-catcher, he doesn’t bring much to the table as a blocker.
With that, the Chargers realize that bringing in another complete tight end would not only allow them to run more 12 personnel, but it would supply as an insurance for Henry in case he goes down with an injury again.
