The Chargers sit at 2-7 on the season, which has had many fans looking towards the future already, knowing that the team’s playoff chances are nearly nonexistent.
As we approach the end of November, I figure it’s a good time to lay out the direction Los Angeles could go in next year’s draft with the assumption that they will be picking within the top-10.
With that being said, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator to take a crack at predicting what L.A. might do based on positional need and players that fit their scheme.
Let’s dive into the four-round mock draft!
Round 1, No. 5, EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan
The hope is that the Chargers are in a position to select Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell, but they might have to sneak in the top-3 to have a chance at him. With Sewell off the board, Los Angeles addresses a position which I believe is a bigger need than most anticipate it being.
You can never have too many pass rushers in this league, and with Melvin Ingram set to hit free agency after this season, the Chargers could be looking to add another dominate force to pair with Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu.
This season, Paye has been lights out. He has 25 pressures….in three games.
Paye, the 6-foot-3 and 271 pounder, is an explosive and speedy pass-rusher who wreaks havoc in opposing backfields, both against the pass and run. He needs to add more counters to the bag of tricks, but he has the skillset to be productive for a very long time at the next level.
Kwity Paye was simply unblockable against Minnesota, really impressive start to his 2020 campaign pic.twitter.com/29O4IZwHUy
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) October 25, 2020
Round 2, No. 37, OT Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
Ensuring that quarterback Justin Herbert has the protection to prevent him from taking a beating is an absolute necessity. Left tackle Sam Tevi is set to be a free agent after this season and right tackle Bryan Bulaga, unfortunately, has dealt with injuries this year.
After starting 32 of 33 games for Northern Iowa, Brown decided to sit out of his final season due to the delay until the spring because of COVID-19. He accepted an invite to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the most prestigious college All-Star game.
Towering at 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds, Brown has the combination of size, length and athleticism to thrive at the next level. The former tight end is a mirroring magician in pass protection and is an outstanding run blocker, overpowering defenders and creating run lanes.
Spencer Brown (Northern Iowa RT #76) should not have this type of lateral movement at 6'9. pic.twitter.com/U7k04Nwhrj
— Mike Spencer Hrynyshyn (@MikeH_Draft) July 22, 2020
Round 3, No. 69, G Deonte Brown, Alabama
Left guard Forrest Lamp and center Dan Feeney will be free agents after this season and like Bulaga, there’s some durability concerns with right guard Trai Turner, who’s only played in two games this season. Like in 2017, the Chargers elect to go back-to-back selections to address the offensive line.
Brown, the 6-foot-2 and 339 pound guard, is a physically imposing lineman who flourishes in the running game, creating a bunch of space for running backs. Even though he has a squatty frame, he is efficient when working to the second level. The combination of power, physicality and effort are traits that could see him earn starting time early in his career.
Alabama RG 65 Deonte Brown pulls with bad intentions. pic.twitter.com/WvrIkr57jA
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) October 29, 2019
Round 4, No. 97, CB Chase Lucas, Arizona State
This is a position that could be addressed somewhere on Day 2. But after bolstering the offensive line, the Chargers draft a player that has potential to be in the starting lineup in Year 2.
Given how Michael Davis has been playing, I could see him being re-signed. But the chances are a bit more slim with Casey Hayward once his contract is up after the 2021 season solely based on seeing slight regressions with his play.
Lucas will be coveted for his aggressive nature against the run and as a blitzer, but he specifically fits Los Angeles’ scheme with his ability in zone coverage, where he shows great instincts and excellent transition skills to stay on receiver’s hips.
Arizona State Redshirt Senior Chase Lucas. Not a big guy, 6-0 176lbs but throws his body around. I'm looking for more man coverage reps. ASU plays a ton of off one, but so far I've been impressed with him reading his keys and shooting with no hesitation. #CRFB @CrockerReport pic.twitter.com/Nj3MKwZcsc
— Crocky (@eric_crocker) June 16, 2020
Round 4, No. 106, TE Nick Eubanks, Michigan
The tight end position is addressed here because the future of Hunter Henry remains to be seen, Virgil Green is a free agent after this season and the usage of Donald Parham has been minimal in 2020.
Assuming the Chargers keep Henry, Eubanks is an ideal compliment that could develop a role with the team. He isn’t used in the passing game often, but he has the ability to thrive in one-on-one situations against linebackers as well as the length and understanding of angles to get the job done in the run-blocking department.
Michigan TE Nick Eubanks showing the ability to reach out and pluck the ball out in front of him with the safety draped over him #NFLDraft #GoBlue #Michigan pic.twitter.com/EDrWT1F8Ry
— Brian Johannes (@Draft_Brian) May 24, 2020
