The Los Angeles Chargers finished the 2019 season with a disappointing 5-11 record. With arguably one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, it’s a shame how the season unfolded for a team who won a playoff game as recently as last season. The only positive that comes with not being in the playoffs is preparing for the 2020 NFL Draft.
With the NFL Draft only three months away, teams are in grind mode as they look to add talent to their current rosters. There has been some speculation that the Chargers are interested in trading up to third overall to find their quarterback of the future but to make things simple I didn’t factor in trades into this mock draft. Now that it is draft season, here is an early 2020 seven-round mock for the Los Angeles Chargers.
LA Chargers 2020 7 Round Mock Draft
First-round (6th overall) – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
With both Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow both gone off the board inside the top five I went with the best offensive lineman available in this year’s draft. Wills is a physical right tackle who displays solid athleticism for a man his size. He displays heavy hands when he gets his hands on his opponent. When watching Wills one thing that stands out is the ability he possesses to get to the second level. His pass sets are outstanding and he will be a day-one starter in the NFL at right or left tackle.
Second-round (37th overall) – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
As expected, QB1 and QB2 were off the board early and I most certainly did not love any of the remaining quarterbacks enough to reach for one with the sixth overall pick. However, drafting Hurts in the second round is a valued pick that all Chargers fans should enjoy.
Once looked at as a quarterback who should switch positions, the transfer to Oklahoma was a huge success for Hurts. Not only did he develop as a passer but we were able to see him make some NFL level throws within Oklahoma’s offense. He does carry a lot of physical traits that scouts will love. Listed at 6’2 and 218 pounds, he has the size to be successful at the next level. Hurts is a gifted runner and his ability to extend plays with his feet is incredible. His mechanics could use a bit of tweaking — he tends to throw late and miss reads which results in interceptions. Holding the ball too long is a bit of a concern for me as well.
Drafting Hurts allows the Chargers to hold on to Philip Rivers for another season or two, allowing a young quarterback to develop.
Third-round (71st overall) – Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Gladney is a willing tackler in the run game who does not shy away from contact. He’s most impressive in man coverage and you fall in love watching his fluid hips and feet when mirroring receivers. Adding Gladney would put another starting-caliber cornerback on the field opposite of Casey Hayward.
Fourth-round (102nd overall) – Logan Stenberg, IOL, Kentucky
If you’ve watched this Chargers offensive line then you know that multiple positions could use an upgrade. Stenberg is powerful when he is able to reach his defender and get hands-on. You see him finishing blocks and running defensive lineman into the ground when watching his tape. Adding Stenberg in the fourth round adds depth to a much-needed group on this roster.
Fifth-round (133rd overall) – Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
I love what I’ve seen from Brooks in 2019. He’s a twitched up athlete who plays with good play speed. Very patient when going through his reads in man and zone coverage. I love his physicality and he brings the boom when meeting ball carriers. The biggest thing that he can improve on is engaging and disengaging from blocks. The Charger’s current linebacker group could use more depth.
Sixth-Round (166th overall) – Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Mims shows off his catch radius on many occasions when attacking the ball in the air. Great when working release moves at the LOS. His route running is what I would like to see improve the most. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams as the top two go-to receivers, a third receiver capable of making consistent plays has been something this offense needs.
Seventh-round (197th overall) – Jacob Breeland, TE, Oregon
Breeland won’t wow you with his athleticism but he’s capable of creating leverage when running his routes. His hands are probably his best feature. In 2019 we saw him become more of a vertical threat. Displays the skills to track the football when it’s in the air. Coming off a season-ending injury some teams will shy away from him. Lastly, with Hunter Henry set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2020, the Chargers could look to add another tight end late in the draft.
Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
