The 2020 NFL Draft is officially history.
Here are four takeaways from the Chargers’ draft class:
Life after Philip Rivers
A new era begins for the Chargers. After 16 years with Philip Rivers under center, Justin Herbert takes the reins. Herbert was selected with the team’s first-round pick (No. 6 overall)
With Tyrod Taylor on the roster, I wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see Herbert take a single snap at all this upcoming season – barring any injuries. Using 2020 as a redshirt year would be beneficial for Herbert.
Even though Herbert possesses the talent to become a successful NFL quarterback, there are still some deficiencies in his game that need improvement, primarily his processor and eye discipline.
Overall, Los Angeles knew that they were in a prime position to land one of the top signal-callers and they didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the one that the scouting department and team personnel has loved for years.
No love for the offensive line
Even after the additions of Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner, drafting an offensive lineman was seen as a priority. However, the Chargers came away empty handed. Am I surprised? Not at all.
One of the bold predictions that made before the draft was that Los Angeles wasn’t going to select a single lineman. The main reason I believe that they held off was because of new offensive line coach James Campen.
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 Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton, Forrest Lamp, Scott Quessenberry and Trent Scott.
There are some that are still wondering if the Bolts could dip into the free agency pool, but general manager Tom Telesco appears to be content with his in-house options.
Telesco reiterated that they like the options they have on the roster. He also said that the offense will be changing a little bit this season. By this, he means the scheme will revolve around a mobile quarterback, which would mask with pass or run-blocking deficiencies.
Nonetheless, let’s not disregard the idea of them still looking to sign a free agent like veteran Jason Peters. It’s still a possibility.
Building around Taylor and Herbert
“We’re going to let you grow with us and develop. Be patient. And we’re going to win some games here with you,” Telesco said to Herbert during his call to tell him he was the pick.
The stages of that process involved putting more pieces around him and Taylor. That is why they drafted running back Joshua Kelley and wide receivers Joe Reed and K.J. Hill.
Expected to a shift to a zone scheme that involves more spread-based concepts and run-pass options (RPO), the Chargers added players that would maximize the offense.
Kelley brings a physical back with great vision, change-of-direction skills, burst and passing ability, who should compliment Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson perfectly. He has the skillset to eventually become the feature back.
In college, Reed lined up all over the formation and was used primarily as a yards after the catch receiver, but he has the speed to win vertically. With the Chargers, he will have the gadget role, where he will be used in sweeps, shovel passes and sweeps. He will have also serve as a return specialist.
Drafting Hill in the seventh-round was an absolute steal. To be able to get a top-15 rates wide receiver that late was impressive. With Hill, think another Keenan Allen on the team. He doesn’t win with speed to outpace defenders, but it’s guaranteed he’s always going to get open with crafty route-running and catch everything thrown his way.
The bottom line is that the offense is going to be a lot of fun with the new scheme, the current play-makers on the roster and the additional pieces from the draft.
Disciplined defenders
In last year’s draft, it was the defense that took priority. This year it was the offense that got the attention. However, that doesn’t mean they didn’t address the defensive side of the ball at all.
It was clear that linebacker Kenneth Murray was a top target of theirs given the fact that they weren’t going to wait and see if he would slide to the second-round. They jumped 14 spots and secured him, even if it meant sacrificing both Day 2 picks.
After the departure of Thomas Davis, filling the void was a focal point. Blessed with incredible instincts, speed and range, Murray is able to cover a tremendous amount of grass in the run game. He combines that with tenacious tackling ability, making sure ball carriers feel his impact.
Murray should slide right in to the Will linebacker spot, which was formerly played by Davis. Meanwhile Drue Tranquill will get the starting role as the Mike linebacker. The combination of the two linebackers should make out to be a dynamic duo for years to come.
The sixth-round selection of safety Alohi Gilman was a bit of a head-scratcher to some, but it made sense. After the losses of Adrian Phillips, Derek Watt, Jatavis Brown and Nick Dzubnar, the Chargers needed more special teamers, which is an area Gilman should make an immediate impact.
Now that Phillips is gone, finding his replacement as the team’s dime linebacker is vital. Gilman, who plays better in the box with his great instincts and physical demeanor to make plays, will have the opportunity to fill the void.
