With the National Scouting Combine kicking off this week, the NFL draft picture has started to come into focus. As big boards become more evident, what might the Chargers do when the big day rolls around come April?
Below is our own four-round mock draft that sees Los Angeles get their future franchise quarterback, a weapon for him, some protection and an impactful cornerback.
Round 1, No. 6, Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
This has been the most common pairing to this point, but Herbert to Los Angeles makes a lot of sense on many levels, as the team looks to find Philip Rivers’ replacement.
Herbert is a physical specimen, who has the skillset, traits and tools that coach Anthony Lynn is looking for in a signal-caller. The area of his game that gets scrutinized the most is primarily mental, but he took a leap last month at the Senior Bowl to defy those.
With the weapons around him, headlined by Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Hunter Henry, as well an improvement to the offensive line (which can be addressed in free agency and rounds following the first) Herbert could really reach his full potential.
This week in Indianapolis, the interview process will be the most important part for Herbert. This will be his opportunity to show that he is capable of leading an NFL team and impress the coaching staff when they put him on the whiteboard.
Round 2, No. 37, Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
The Chargers need one more playmaker to join the dynamic duo of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, specifically one that can win with the speed.
Insert Reagor.
Reagor is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class, but it’s more than just his straight-line speed that makes him so dangerous. The former Horned Frog has the functional athleticism, burst and agility that makes him so lethal in the open field.
Reagor does offer some positional flexibility, but he would be the starting “z” receiver for the Bolts, where he would thrive as a vertical option to force defensive backs to hone in on him, which would then open things up for the other pass-catchers on the team.
Round 3, No. 71, Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Peart is a heck of an athlete that boasts terrific length. The 6-foot-5 and 310 pound tackle doesn’t have overwhelming power to dominate his opponents, but he quickly finds his landmarks and uses his natural movement skills, base and length to keep rushers busy. Along with that, he is a great run blocker.
For a zone heavy scheme (which is what the Chargers could be eluding to), he would be the perfect match. The former UConn product would become the team’s starting right tackle right away, taking over for the current starter, Sam Tevi.
Round 4, No. 102, Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
The Chargers will be in the market for a cornerback opposite of Casey Hayward. Pride Jr. got on my radar at the Senior Bowl, but it won’t be long until he catches the attention of others that aren’t familiar when him after he tests in Indy.
Pride’s ball production numbers might draw some concern as he had only three interceptions for the Irish, but he has track-like speed, mirroring ability and spatial awareness to lock up wide receivers.
The 6-foot and 194 pounder is a fit for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 based scheme since he’s sound in off-man coverage. He has minor holes to his game and could be a solid contributor as early as Year 1.
