The second week of free agency has come to an end, and we are a little over a month away from the 2019 NFL draft. The Chargers have made it clear the direction they plan to go with the moves the team made.
As we continue to gear up for three days filled with adding youth to the team, we lay out a four-round mock draft to give you an idea that Los Angeles could possibly go when the big event rolls around.
Round 1 | No. 28 | Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | S | Florida
The Chargers released Jahleel Addae after an underwhelming 2018 season at the free safety position. With the two parties parting ways, it created a hole at the position, despite having Jaylen Watkins and Rayshawn Jenkins on the roster.
Los Angeles elects to select a safety for the second year in a row in the first round to pair with Derwin James in former Florida FS Chauncey-Gardner Johnson.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and 211 pounds, Gardner-Johnson has the athleticism, range and fearlessness, play-disruption skills with the way he reads and flies around the field that translate to a versatile player in the NFL. But he would make out to be a stellar centerfielder and instant impact player for Los Angeles right away.
Round 2 | No. 60 | Tytus Howard | OT | Alabama State
The Chargers did nothing to address the biggest need by filling the right tackle position in free agency. Instead, they find a plug-and-play starters with one of the top small-school prospects at the end of the second round in former Alabama State product Tytus Howard.
Howard made quite the transition ever since high school going from a quarterback to a tight end, as well as being a basketball player to thriving on the offensive line in the SWAC conference.
The 6-foot-5 and 322 pound Howard made his money during Senior Bowl week, going toe-to-toe with some of the nation’s top pass rushers this week, including Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat.
Howard moves well, showing quick footwork to mirror opponents and the ability to handle speed. His work as a space blocker is good when reaching the second level. Howard excels at carrying down blocks as well, using his forceful hands to shock defenders.
Round 3 | No. 91 | Khalen Saunders | DT | Western Illinois
The Chargers lost defensive tackle Darius Philon this pas week, leaving only three active members on the interior part of the defensive line. They could opt to pick up a fourth in free agency, but Los Angeles will be looking to give the position some attention.
Saunders is very explosive and has great short area quickness, despite being 6-foot and 322 pounds. He exhibits flexibility, speed, and power at the point of attack as a rusher. He’s effective at playing on the edge of blockers and penetrating through a gap.
Saunders will need to work on his pass rush moves and ability to anchor against offensive linemen, but the character, athleticism and fit as a 4-3 nose tackle is match made in heaven.
Round 4 | No. 131 | Michael Jackson | CB | Miami
It wouldn’t be a Chargers draft if they didn’t consider a Miami product as they have been notorious for looking at the school for talent. Given the need for depth at the cornerback position, Michael Jackson is a player that fits right in to start off Day 3.
Jackson, the 6-foot-1 and 210 pound corner, played his best season in 2017 where he tallied four interceptions. A year later he still managed to produce in his final campaign with Jackson earning honorable mention All-ACC, starting all 13 games, and posting 42 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks, and six passes defensed.
Though he’s still a work in progress, Jackson’s length, strength, ball skills and ability to play the run are all enticing for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme. He would likely start off as a No. 3 or 4, but would have the opportunity to earn starter consideration by the end of Year 1.
