ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 01: Jedrick Wills Jr. #74 of the Alabama Crimson Tide blocks during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium on January 1, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. Alabama defeated Michigan 35-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
With the Chargers set to enter a post-Rivers era, how will the team approach a draft class that features plenty of intriguing first-round quarterback prospects?
With all that is happening in the world right now, it feels appropriate to be writing something that it is obviously in short supply of: team mock drafts.
The Los Angeles Chargers are set to be one of the most intriguing teams of the 2020 NFL Draft, mostly due to the fact that they will be starting a quarterback not named Philip Rivers for the first time since 2004. Running back Melvin Gordon is also set to hit free agency, and the team is fresh off trading left tackle Russell Okung to the Panthers, meaning Anthony Lynn’s offense will look significantly different heading into next season.
Holding the sixth overall pick in the draft means the Chargers have plenty of flexibility to move up or down in the first round. Without further ado, here’s a look at how the team could approach this new era in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Oh, and don’t forget….wash your damn hands.
1st round
Jedrick Wills
OT, Crimson Tide
Whoever takes snaps behind center for the Chargers next year had better hope the team addresses the offensive tackle position early in the draft. The trade of Okung to the Panthers could signify that the team is making room for a talented player like Alabama’s Jedrick Wills.
Wills has been nothing short of incredible over the past two seasons protecting the blindside of Tua Tagavailoa with the Tide, and seems to be getting overlooked a bit in the wake of several impressive testing performances from his classmates.
The Chargers have remained pretty consistent in taking a “best player available” approach and unless they become completely enamored by one of the first-round quarterbacks, I have to imagine the target here would be an offensive lineman.
Tyrod Taylor remains a capable starter who could at minimum hold down the fort until the team chooses its long-term answer at quarterback. Heck, they even could incite complete chaos if they follow through as one of the rumored suitors for Tom Brady.
Wills checks all the boxes from a size and athleticism standpoint, not to mention he’s by far the most technically-sound and pro-ready player at the position in this draft. Trading down is also a legitimate option, but here general manager Tom Telesco opts to pencil in a starter at either tackle spot for potentially the next ten years with the selection of Wills.