It’s November, which means we are back with another three-round mock draft.
Sitting at 4-6, many fans are wondering the direction the Chargers can go in the upcoming draft in order to have a more inspiring season in 2020.
With that, here is our second three-round mock draft.
The draft order was used courtesy of Tankathon.
Round 1, No. 12, QB Justin Herbert, Oregon
Quarterback Philip Rivers is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season, and it’s uncertain whether or not he will be back. While he’s said that he wants to play in the new stadium, it doesn’t mean that he will follow through with his words after an uninspiring campaign filled with obvious signs of regression.
According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Chargers are set to address the quarterback position in the early rounds of the upcoming draft. It’s not clear if Rivers will be in the picture still, but the team appears to be thinking about the future of the franchise by grabbing whoever that may be in the first couple rounds.
One prospect that that has to be on Los Angeles’ want-list is Herbert. The team has certainly been doing their homework on him. Just recently, there were three scouts in attendance for the matchup between Oregon and USC. When you have that many scouts at a game, it’s evident that they’re honing in on a specific player.
Herbert, the 6-foot-6 and 237 pounder, has everything that the Chargers will covet in their next signal-caller — arm talent, mobility, experience, football intelligence and progression. While there are areas that need to be addressed to his game, he is a guy with high upside to flourish at the next level.
It wouldn’t be the most sexy selection as there are a lot of people that are torn on Herbert, but it’s a pick that the organization would make given their philosophy and because he checks off on nearly all of the boxes when it comes to evaluating players.
Round 2, No. 44, OT Austin Jackson, USC
Addressing the offensive line in the offseason will be key for the Chargers. With a deep offensive tackle class, they don’t waste much more time after getting their guy in the first round to give him the much-needed protection with a local product.
Jackson, the 6-foot-6 and 310 pounder, has been one of the fastest risers the past few months because he’s done nothing but keep the Trojans’ true freshman quarterback’s blindside free of defenders all season long.
Though he’s not the most refined technician, Jackson has the natural athleticism, movement skills and powerful punch to start in Year 1. He would be an instant upgrade over right tackle Sam Tevi with the ability to move over to the left side when Russell Okung’s time with the team is over.
Round 3, No. 76, WR DeVonta Smith, Alabama
The wide receiver group is an area that I don’t expect the Chargers to shy away from. While Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are a formidable duo, Allen hasn’t been at his best and Williams is up-and-down. Behind them, there is nothing. They could elect to find one in free agency, but in this case, they find the true replacement for Tyrell Williams with Smith.
Smith, the 6-foot-1 and 185 pound wideout, has made sure that NFL evaluators aren’t just focusing in on his teammates, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. This season he has amassed 50 receptions for 934 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Even though he’s not the fastest receiver, he has the ability to move the chains with his good route running and savvy. Smith also shows a knack for catching any ball thrown his way with his body control, strong hands and tracking skills.
