With the 2019 NFL Draft just under two weeks away, the Chargers are hard at work finalizing their big board before the biggest event of the offseason.
We have been posting other publications mock drafts throughout the pre-draft process, but have yet to make our very own. With that, we will be posting two seven-round mock drafts, one this week and a final one next week leading up into it.
The selections in each round will be what we think Los Angeles does on draft day based on team fits, meetings, visits, etc.
Here’s our first seven-round mock draft for L.A.
Round 1, No. 28, OT Dalton Risner, Kansas State
The Chargers are not just looking for a long-term right tackle. The team could be looking to upgrade the interior offensive line, as well. That’s why the selection of Dalton Risner makes so much sense at the backend of the first round. Risner brings versatility as he has started at right tackle, center, and some practice reps at guard during his time with the Wildcats.
In Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft Guide, Risner had a pass-blocking efficiency grade of 99.3 and had a run-block success percentage of 93.7.
In 2018, Risner played in 352 pass-block snaps where he allowed no sacks, three quarterback hits and two quarterback hurries. In his four years at Kansas State, Risner allowed just one sack and a total of five quarterback hits.
Risner has a high football IQ and plays with strong hands, body control, core strength and outstanding awareness in pass protection, as well as an aggressive demeanor in the running game. His competitive toughness, character and intangibles is what Los Angeles needs to upgrade the offensive line.
Round 2, No. 60, DT Renell Wren, Arizona State
The Chargers need help on the other side of the trenches since they only have four active players at the defensive tackle position with Brandon Mebane and Justin Jones being the only reliable. That’s exactly why they go with former Arizona State defensive tackle Renell Wren in the following round.
Many have him ranked all over the place, but Wren likely stamped himself as a Day 2 selection with a strong pre-draft circuit. For some, the second round might be a bit rich for Wren to be selected since his game is still raw. But I firmly believe that the former Arizona State product will go somewhere between pick 60 and 75 since the NFL values upside, which is something Wren offers.
Los Angeles has also been doing their homework on Wren as they interviewed him at the combine and were standing close by at the Sun Devil’s Pro Day last month.
Wren is far from a finished product, but his relentless playing temperament, snap quickness, strength and power to control the point of attack and push his way into the backfield will make him coveted for a team that struggles to get penetration from the interior part of the defensive line. If the defensive line coaches fix his technique a bit, Wren will have a lot of success in the league.
Round 3, No. 91, FS Marquise Blair, Utah
The Chargers have a young defensive backs group that needs an upgrade at the free safety position to solidify it after the loss of Jahleel Addae. Former Utah safety Marquise Blair possesses the ability to do just that.
On film, Blair is one of the most violent defensive backs I’ve studied in the last couple of years. He is a player that competes with an aggressive mindset that loves to come up and make plays with infliction. It can bite him, as he’ll also miss some tackles and play over-aggressive in pursuit, though.
In coverage, he’s adept at reading and reacting to the quarterback’s eyes. He flows to the play quickly with long strides and his anticipation allows him to get in position to make a play on the ball. When the ball is in the air, he takes precise angles, not allowing receivers to get behind him. He has the eye-popping sideline-to-sideline range needed to man the single-high position.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Blair is a proven player who wouldn’t need to be taken early on, making him a sneaky selection that could step in Day 1 and compete for a starting job.
Round 4, No. 130, DT Armon Watts, Arkansas
The Chargers never shy away from double dipping if there’s an evident need at a position, and that’s what they do two rounds later with the selection of former Arkansas defensive tackle Armon Watts to shore up the interior part of the defensive line.
A relative unknown at the beginning of the season, Watts didn’t find a starting job for the Razorbacks until his senior season where he manned the one-technique. Watts went from having seven total tackles to amassing seven sacks and three forced fumbles.
Watts possesses a great blend of size, speed and strength. He is able to generate a strong push, to go along with a variety of pass rush counters. He possesses the movement skills to split double teams, penetrate the backfield and be a disruptive presence as a rotational three-technique with some starter upside.
Round 5, No. 166, LB Cameron Smith, USC
The Chargers have a knack for selecting players from their backyard. Last year, it was linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and guard Scott Quessenberry. This year, they go with another Trojan by making the selection of linebacker Cameron Smith.
Smith plays with the temperament and ruggedness that the Chargers could use in the middle of their defense. He is a muscled-up, throwback linebacker that’s at his best when defending the run. For a team that covets football intelligence, twitch and a knack for making plays, it should draw the Bolts’ attention.
With a couple years under his belt at the next level, Smith is capable of becoming an effective full-time starter at inside linebacker, depending on Los Angeles’ plans at the position in the long run.
Round 6, No. 200, WR KeeSean Johnson, Fresno State
Adding another player to the wide receiver room will be on the list of things to do for the Chargers to shore up the position. Former Fresno State wideout KeeSean Johnson possesses traits that should entice Los Angeles.
Johnson shows a knack for the ball as he’s at his best when he’s going up for jump balls to bring in contested passes with his soft hands, just like former Charger, Tyrell Williams. Though he’s not going to win with speed and isn’t a finesse route runner, Johnson is silky smooth when operating on the field.
His playmaking abilities should draw the attention of Los Angeles. Johnson has the makings of a solid No. 4 wide receiver with one year in the league and could make his way up the depth chart with some time under his belt.
Round 7, No. 242, OL B.J. Autry, Jacksonville State
The Chargers have a history of selecting offensive linemen as late-round fliers and that’s what they do with former Jacksonville State’s B.J. Autry to add to the interior part of the offensive line.
A two-year starter at Jacksonville State, Autry started every game at left guard for the Gamecocks the last two seasons, earning All-OVC honors as a junior and senior.
The 6-foot-2 and 337 pounder is a mauler in the running game, using his strong hands, wide frame and sneaky athleticism to clear a path. He has had issues managing his weight, and will need to improve on his technique to be a reliable backup at the next level.
