The Chargers are very familiar with players taking a tumble in the NFL draft. Last year, Los Angeles was able to get a steal with safety Derwin James after being projected as a top-5 selection throughout the process.
L.A. isn’t picking in the middle of the first round this year, making chances less likely that they can land a prolific player. But the draft is filled with madness, whether it’s teams reaching on a projected second rounder or just taking someone that doesn’t necessarily fulfill a need, but is viewed as the best player available.
Selecting at No. 28 overall this year, the Bolts could very well see another player fall to their laps, just like with James.
Here are three prospects that could be on the board when the Chargers are on the clock.
CB Byron Murphy, Washington
Cornerbacks always appear to go later than where most pundits mock them throughout the pre-draft process. Even though Byron Murphy is may people’s No. 1 CB and should very well go within the top-15, his size could concern some, causing him to slide down.
Again, we’ve preached how cornerback is a sneaky position of need for the Chargers, and Murphy would be the perfect to play outside of Casey Hayward.
Murphy was named first-team All-American by Pro Football Focus, and was also first-team All-Pac-12 and an AP second-team All-American. In 20 games, he had six interceptions and 20 passes defensed. He returned one of his picks for a touchdown.
The small yet talented cornerback would be a perfect fit in the Bolts’ zone scheme as he shows excellent burst, instincts and ball skills on tape. That paired with his sticky off man coverage is a phenomenal combination. It may be difficult for Los Angeles to pass on that opportunity.
OT Cody Ford, Oklahoma
There are four offensive lineman in this year’s draft class that possess plug-and-play ability. Jonah Williams, Andre Dillard, Jawaan Taylor and Cody Ford. The first three names are likely to be gone, but Ford remains an option that could very well be there at No. 28 overall.
We’ve mentioned how the Chargers could be in trouble if these players are gone by the time they are on the clock. Of course Dalton Risner will likely be there, which wouldn’t be surprising to see. But it’s Risner’s future position is uncertain. There could be some concerns with his foot speed to protect the edge, making him a candidate to be kicked inside to guard or center.
Ford provides inside-out versatility as well, but his tape shows that he could flourish at the tackle position. He is a grizzly bear with a rare skill-set for the position, showing above-average balance and flexibility to easily bend, lateral agility to handle speed, and absorb power at the point of attack.
This would be a home run for Los Angeles if he slides to the tail end of the first round, and would almost be a no-brainer to land their future right tackle. If none of them are available, Risner is probably the guy, but it wouldn’t shock to see them pass and address another position of need or best player available.
DT Ed Oliver, Houston
It’s okay to be realistic, yet have dreams, right? Ed Oliver on the Chargers would be a match made in heaven. But how would this occur after Oliver’s been touted as a top-10 player in this draft class.
Oliver has been a tough evaluation for NFL decision makers with some viewing him as a defensive tackle, while others see him as an edge rusher or even linebacker given his freakish athleticism. Also, Oliver has drawn ‘character concerns’ after an altercation with coach Major Applewhite. If teams overthink Oliver, he could see slide.
Los Angeles has done their homework on Oliver just in case this were to occur, or a possible trade up scenario. The former Houston product would be an instant plug-and-play three-technique, and the Bolts would be able to get their own Aaron Donald.
Again, unlikely to happen, but it could happen. Whenever you start to think about a player not falling, think Derwin James.
