With the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl just days away, this is an appropriate time for a mock draft of what the Chargers could do if they only had players in the annual all-star game to choose from.
This is just an exercise, but keep in mind general manager Tom Telesco does covet the Senior Bowl as an outlet to find talent. 17 players of the last five drafts attended the showcase in Mobile, AL.
Round 1, No. 17, OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
The Chargers made the point to address the offensive line last offseason, and it paid dividends except for the right tackle position after Bryan Bulaga went down with an injury.
Even though Bulaga is still under contract, there are legitimate durability concerns, which is why he is a cut candidate.
If Los Angeles decides to move on from Bulaga, it could choose to solidify that spot either in free agency or early in the draft, as they do here with the selection of Penning.
A three-year starter for the Panthers, Penning was the only lineman named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award this past season, awarded to the best offensive player at the FCS level, after only allowing 13 pressures.
While he needs to clean up his leverage and hand usage, Penning has size at 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds, awe-inspiring athleticism, movement skills to match, and a mauler’s mentality in the run game to start right away.
OT Trevor Penning
Call him 'physical' or 'nasty' or 'mauler' or even 'dirty' for all I care
Does he look to finish you every chance he gets? Yep.
Is he going to give you the last shove? Yep.
Will he try to dump you over the pile? Yep.
Will he drop the groceries on you? Yep. pic.twitter.com/zptxztsULX
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) November 10, 2021
Round 2, No. 48, DT Phidarian Mathis, Alabama
The Chargers finished bottom of the league in run defense, which is why bolstering the interior part of the defensive line will be their top priority this offseason.
Arguably one of the most impactful all-around interior defenders in the nation, Mathis amassed 53 total tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked passes in 2021.
With his length, violent hands, lower-body strength, lateral agility, and ability to anchor, Mathis can create interior pressure just as well as he can defend the run at the next level, projecting as a lineman who has the tools to be a three-down starter.
Round 3, No. 79, WR Calvin Austin, Memphis
The Chargers are set for the foreseeable future with their No. 1 wideout in Keenan Allen. However, behind him, the room draws some questions. Will Mike Williams be re-signed, franchise-tagged, or let go of altogether? Is Josh Palmer ready to take the leap as the No. 2 guy if Williams walks?
Regardless, one thing is certain: Los Angeles needs a speed/yards-after-the-catch weapon.
Shifty and bursting with energy, Austin is an explosive product that has proved size isn’t everything when playing wide receiver. With track speed, unpredictable route running, and electric playmaking with the ball in his hands, Austin is exactly the dynamics the Bolts would benefit from.
Austin finished his collegiate career with 2,541 yards and 22 touchdowns on 156 catches. He also left Memphis tied for second in touchdown receptions and fourth in receiving yards.
Just give Calvin Austin the football and let him create yards after the catch. #BlueChipSummer pic.twitter.com/pRfTLitvtc
— Nick Price (@PriceCheck3) June 3, 2021
Round 4, No. 120, CB Mario Goodrich, Clemson
Asante Samuel Jr. proved to be the Chargers’ best cornerback in just his first season, but he had two concussions. Michael Davis played well, but nothing to warrant the money he was paid last offseason. Chris Harris Jr. will be a free agent after this season.
Therefore, Los Angeles will be in the market for cornerback depth and someone who’s capable of making an impact early on.
After being overshadowed by the likes of Trayvon Muller and AJ Terrell, Goodrich had a breakout season in 2021. He finished with 42 tackles, nine passes defended, and one interception. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors alongside projected first-rounder, Andrew Booth.
With the instincts, technique, and athleticism in press and zone coverage to working downhill through traffic and laying the wood to boost the run support, Goodrich exhibits a zest to compete in every aspect of the cornerback position.
Clemson CB Mario Goodrich is the ideal blend of intensity and composure.
Possesses the grit to clobber the quarterback (first play) as well as the patience to dodge the mesh trap and get back in coverage to bat away the ball (second play). pic.twitter.com/DjNyPYhFy5
— Cole Topham (@HamAnalysis) January 19, 2022
