The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his new three-round mock draft on Wednesday.
Let’s break down what one of the highly touted draft analysts is thinking for Los Angeles in the 2020 NFL Draft after the Combine and right before free agency kicks off.
Round 1, No. 6, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Addressing the most important position on the football field sits atop of the priority list for the Chargers this offseason.
While bringing in a proven veteran like Tom Brady is a possibility, I believe the team wants to roll with Tyrod Taylor as the starter and bridge to whichever rookie quarterback is drafted. In this case, Brugler mocks Tagovailoa to Los Angeles.
Even though rolling the dice on Tua – who has durability concerns – could be a gamble, it’s a risk worth taking, especially if all the medicals check out. If he remains healthy, the Chargers could have a quarterback that could produce positive results on a yearly basis.
Tua has an excellent feel for the game, thriving with his football intelligence, instincts, processing skills and vision where he’s one of the best in this class. He’s accurate and is capable of making all the throws, inside or outside the structure.
Here is what Brugler said about mocking Tagovailoa to the Bolts:
Tagovailoa is the wild card of the draft. Talking to teams in Indianapolis, they are taking a cautious approach, but until they can see him throw on April 9, it is anyone’s guess how high he will be drafted. With the Chargers moving on from Philip Rivers, their quarterback situation is obviously in flux.
Round 2, No. 37, RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Surprise, surprise!
There hasn’t been many mock drafts that has had the Chargers taking a running back, especially this early on.
To some, it might be shocking when factoring in the other needs that the team will need to address, but this could be a wild card position that could be approached earlier than many anticipate, especially knowing Melvin Gordon is set to test the free agency market.
Los Angeles has made the point that they want to start running the ball more, especially given the fact that they might be implementing a zone scheme next season.
Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson are capable of holding the backfield down, but Dobbins would give L.A. one of the best backfields they’ve seen in years with his added presence.
Used in Ohio State’s zone scheme, Dobbins won with his tough and physical downhill running style, where he showed great vision and contact balance to break off defenders. In the pass game, he is a solid check-down option and he’s a reliable pass protector.
Round 3, No. 71, OT Matt Peart, UConn
Even though the need is more pressing, especially after the departure of Russell Okung, the Chargers take advantage of this deep offensive tackle class where they draft Peart in the third-round.
For many, this is a position that needs to be addressed a lot earlier in the draft, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they hold off until Round 2 or 3 in order to get their quarterback of the future.
New offensive line coach James Campen has a proven track record of developing linemen taken in the mid-late rounds. Plus, L.A. might look to find Okung’s replacement via free agency.
Peart 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. In the run game, he takes great angles to win position and is smooth working to the second level.
For a zone heavy scheme, he would be the perfect match. The former UConn product would be in contention for the team’s starting right tackle right away and he could develop into a strong left tackle down the road.
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