The Los Angeles Chargers were expected to be a Super Bowl contender heading into this season. But injuries and deficiencies on the roster hindered them.
General manager Tom Telesco and company are gearing up to bolster their already talented group to ensure that the Bolts are in the best shape to give it another go next season.
With that, here is our latest three-round mock draft with the direction that Telesco could go in the 2020 NFL draft.
Round 1, No. 9, QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
The last time the Chargers drafted a quarterback in the first-round was back in 2004 when they took Eli Manning, who was later traded to the Giants with Philip Rivers in return. With Rivers set to become an unrestricted free agent, Los Angeles could very well end in that drought in this upcoming draft.
With the Bolts picking high, they have the opportunity to land a top quarterback. In this case, Tagovailoa surpasses the Dolphins, who could very well be looking to address the position.
Tagovailoa was expected to be a lock for the top-5, but a hip injury that he sustained this season has given some a reason to be concerned. But doctors who performed the surgery feel confident he will make a full recovery with a slate of rehab.
Injury aside, Tua is a quick processor, who has phenomenal field vision, natural instincts, accuracy and mobility to tear up defenses in a multitude of ways. The Alabama product is a well-known name that would draw a plethora of people into their new stadium, as well.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter sees the Chargers and Tua as a perfect marriage since he would be on a team that doesn’t have to play him right away considering Rivers or Tyrod Taylor would be the Day 1 starter in 2020.
“If you look at the Top 10, there’s teams that need a quarterback, a team like the Chargers. Phillip Rivers maybe sign a one year deal to come back. And if he doesn’t, they like Tyrod Taylor anyway and could play him for one year. That might be an interesting situation,” Schefter said.
Round 2, No. 40, OT Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
The right tackle position is still an area of concern, and the Chargers will have to think about finding a plug-and-play guy this offseason. Luckily, this offensive tackle class is loaded, so they won’t have to reach on one in Round 1, and can find their future franchise quarterback first.
Wanogho left Nigeria when he was 16 years old with NBA dreams, but he made an impact playing high school football. His dominant play in the SEC has not gone unnoticed by NFL evaluators and that’s why he’s being touted as a top-50 selection.
Wanogho, the 6-foot-7 and 305 pound offensive tackle, is still raw, given the fact that he’s been playing football for only five years. But he is athletically gifted and he possesses the foundational traits to develop into a solid starting tackle at the next level in Year 1.
Round 3, No. 70 WR Michael Pittman, Jr., USC
The Chargers have been notorious for bringing in players from their backyard in the draft and Pittman could be that guy this year, especially knowing they will be looking to fortify the wide receiver group.
Pittman had a heck of a career with the Trojans, reeling in 165 receptions for 2,466 yards and 19 touchdowns. He was recently named First-Team All Pac-12 and AP All-American Second Team.
The 6-foot-4 and 223 pound wideout isn’t a burner by any means, but he wins with his ability to go up above the rim and bring down balls with his strong frame, outstanding focus and grip strength, similar to former Chargers’ Tyrell Williams.
