The Chargers did not make any splash signings through the first wave of free agents, which is to be expected. The team did manage to sign linebacker Thomas Davis and quarterback Tyrod Taylor. And they did re-sign linebacker Denzel Perryman, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and safety Adrian Phillips.
The acquisitions have given us an idea of what Los Angeles may look to do in the 2019 NFL draft with the holes that still remain on the roster.
With that, it’s time to see how things could shake out for the Bolts in the draft, which is just over a month away.
Round 1 | No. 28 | Dalton Risner | OT | Kansas State
The Chargers have addressed the offensive line in free agency the past two years with the additions of left tackle Russell Okung and center Mike Pouncey. The two players have proven themselves as the best pieces up front, but it hasn’t seemed like they’re going to have that type of value in a weaker crop this year.
No matter how aggressive Los Angeles chooses to be at attacking the position, they will need valuable players to succeed in 2019. Should they go about it in the 2019 NFL draft, Risner would be a great selection in the first round.
From a purely personality and culture perspective, Risner would be a tremendous addition to the Chargers’ locker room, as he carries an infectiously positive attitude, is gritty, tough, competitive, and hard-working.
From a positional fit point of view, obviously the Bolts have a hole at right tackle and his 49 college starts have come at center and right tackle, which would allow him to slide in the spot right over Sam Tevi, who struggled mightily last season.
Round 2 | No. 60 | Renell Wren | DT | Arizona State
Through the first wave of free agency, the Chargers have elected to re-sign just one out of four members on the interior part of the defensive line that are unrestricted free agents thus far. Brandon Mebane will be returning, but Corey Liuget, Darius Philon and Damion Square are at question.
Standing at a stacked 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Wren fits the mold of defensive tackles that are disruptive and offer versatility up front.
Wren flashes on tape with his athleticism and upper-body power to jolt blockers and make stops at or behind the line of scrimmage. Wren plays balanced on his feet with snap anticipation and smooth movements, but needs to improve his pad level to better clear single blockers when not squared up.
Although he has a strong punch, he needs to develop his pass-rush technique. The former Arizona State product is not perfect and is an unfinished product, but the upside is there. Wren should appeal to Los Angeles with his relentless playing temperament, quickness, and power to control the point of attack.
Round 3 | No. 91 | Bobby Okereke | LB | Stanford
On paper, it may look like the linebacker position is solidified after the addition of Thomas Davis and re-signing of Denzel Perryman. But Davis and Perryman likely to serve as stop-gaps on their two-year contracts, and Adrian Phillips and Jatavis Brown will be free agents at the end of this upcoming season.
Okereke is a player that would serve well in their linebacker room.
Okereke flows well and was routinely in the right place at the right time on tape, winning with twitchiness, diagnosis skills and speed. Okereke can rush off the edge and get out into space to cover tight ends and running backs. He reads well, and whether he’s filling or scraping over the top, he’s bound to be in on the play.
Despite his high production numbers in college, Okereke is currently an inconsistent open-field tackler due to balance issues and needs to better use his length to keep himself off blocks.
Overall, Okereke needs to improve his play strength and take on skills to handle full-time linebacker responsibilities, but he competes with the play speed, athletic range and reliable football character that the Chargers would be able to build into a solid starter by Year 2 or 3.
Round 4 | No. 130 | Jordan Brown | CB | South Dakota State
The Chargers decided to tender Trevon Williams and saw Jason Verrett get shipped to the 49ers this past week. A position that needs an upgrade that no one is talking about, Los Angeles could certainly add to the cornerback group in this year’s draft.
Brown possesses good overall size at 6-foot and 201 pounds. He is a boundary corner with key-point ball skills, where his former wide receiver-type ball hawk skills standout amongst others. Tons of off-man and zone coverage at South Dakota State dictated Brown’s opportunities, but the tape shows mirroring ability, which will most likely translate well at the next level.
Even though true straight-line speed usually shows up on tape, through deep routes, Brown’s short burst and twitchy agility help him stay close to faster wide receivers down the field.
He’s a pure cover corner who could have the opportunity to fight for a starting job by Year 2, given the lack of depth at the position for Los Angeles. Once he can improves in man coverage, tackling, and a few other areas, he could be talked about as one of the steals in this year’s draft.
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