With the free agency dust starting to settle, the Chargers have made it clear the direction they plan to go in the 2019 NFL draft. With needs at right tackle, defensive tackle, free safety and adding depth at the wide receiver position, the team looks to address those next month.
In NFL Media’s Chad Reuter’s latest four-round mock draft, Los Angeles manages to stack deck and fill all of those needs.
Below is how Reuter’s mock draft turned out for the Bolts.
Round 1 | No. 28 | Cody Ford | Oklahoma | OT
This selection would make far too much sense for the Chargers to pass on if former Oklahoma offensive tackle Cody Ford slides to the end of first round at No. 28 overall.
Ranked as one of the top offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, Ford would provide quarterback Philip Rivers excellent protection. Ford offers great versatility, who has the ability to slide inside to guard if tackle doesn’t pan out. His blend of power and movement skills at 6-foot-4 and 329 pounds is too enticing to let slip away if available.
Here is why Reuter picked Ford here for the Bolts with their first selection.
Ford plugs in at right tackle for the Chargers, who need to shore up that side of the line.
Round 2 | No. 60 | Renell Wren | Arizona State | DT
The Chargers are in desperate need of help along the interior part of the defensive line. In a deep defensive tackle class, Los Angeles beefs up the trenches with former Arizona State defensive tackle Renell Wren.
Wren has been a commonly linked player to the Bolts between the second and third round. Though many pundits have him ranked all over the place, Wren likely stamped himself as a Day 2 selection with a strong pre-draft circuit.
Though he isn’t a finished product, his relentless playing temperament, quickness, strength and power to control the point of attack and bully his way into the backfield will make him coveted for a team that lacks playmakers up front.
Here is what Reuter had to say about mocking Wren to L.A.
Wren is the powerful interior presence that the Chargers need as their defensive line depth chart undergoes great change in 2019.
Round 3 | No. 91 | Will Harris | Boston College | S
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 Boston College safety Will Harris possesses the ability to do just that.
At 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, Harris’ film shows a player who is not only a thumper but who also has tremendous instincts and range whether he’s in space in coverage or being asked to work in the box against both the run and pass.
The former Boston College product finished his collegiate career with 225 tackles (139 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five interceptions, two touchdowns, seven passes defensed, one forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
Here is what Reuter had to say about Los Angeles’ third round selection.
Harris has the size and quickness to cover the parts of the back half that Derwin James is not locking down.
Round 4 | No. 130 | KeeSean Johnson | Fresno State | WR
Adding another player to the wide receiver room will be on the list of things to do for the Chargers. The team kicks off Day 3 with the selection of former Fresno State wideout KeeSean Johnson to add the group led by Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
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 big and strong hands, just like former Charger, Tyrell Williams. Though he’s not a speedster (4.6 40) and isn’t a finesse route runner, Johnson is smooth and athletic when operating on the field.
His playmaking abilities should draw the attention of Los Angeles. Johnson has the makings of a solid No. 3 wide receiver with one year in the league and could provide special teams value.
Here is what Reuter had to say about mocking Johnson to L.A.
Losing Tyrell Williams in free agency will push the Chargers toward finding a middle-round value at the receiver position.
