The Chargers have traded a 4th round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers in case they want to draft RB Derrius Guice. This leaves Los Angeles with plenty of room for other picks, which could allow them to trade back and still get their guy.
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers came dangerously close to making the playoffs. And the roster improved in the offseason, with Mike Williams re-signing and Khalil Mack joining the defense. The AFC West, on the other hand, went crazy, signing guys like Russell Wilson and Davante Adams at the same time. That’s why the “other” City of Angels club, as shown in our three-round LA Chargers mock draft, must nail their NFL draft choices.
Mock Draft 1.0 for the Los Angeles Chargers
L-R) Logan Bruss, LA Chargers logo, Chris Olave | Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Rich Graessle/Icon Sports
The choices in Sportscasting.com’s most recent LA Chargers mock draft addressed the team’s two major problems. To stay up with the clubs they meet twice a year, the Chargers need to upgrade their offensive line and add speed and dynamism. This is what the mock draft looked like:
- Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa, Round 1, No. 17 overall
- Darian Kinnard, IOL, Kentucky, 3rd round, No. 79 overall
- Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee, 4th round, No. 123 overall
Nothing has changed in terms of what the club need as the NFL draft approaches in less than a week. However, they have changed how they prioritize the various positions and where they target each one for maximum efficiency. This is version 2.0 of the LA Chargers mock draft.
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State, 1st round, No. 17 overall
Yes, the offensive line is a bigger concern, but the team is in a battle for offensive weapons in the AFC West, so bringing in a burner like Ohio State’s Chris Olave makes sense.
From a team-building standpoint, Keenan Allen will be 30 years old in his 10th season, and Mike Williams has a two- to three-year contract. Aside from that, Justin Herbert doesn’t seem to have any long-term receiving mates.
Olave is 6-feet, 187 pounds, and has a 40-yard sprint time of 4.39 seconds. On the field, he’s just as quick. As a sophisticated route runner, the former Buckeye can play in the slot or on the outside, giving offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and Herbert even more options as they attempt to stay up with the rest of their stacked division.
Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana-Lafayette, 3rd round, No. 79 overall
One of my favorite under-the-radar OT prospects this year is #Louisiana RT Max Mitchell.
He’s athletic, aggressive and does a great job with his hand exchange. He has NFL starting potential – keep him on the radar. pic.twitter.com/Lb6wprS5R5
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 22, 2021
Because the club traded choice No. 48 to the Chicago Bears to acquire Khalil Mack, the next pick in this LA Chargers mock draft is in the mid-third round. If a WR is selected in Round 1, the club will not be able to address its O-line problems until this selection.
Max Mitchell is a sleeper from a tiny school who potentially fill the Chargers’ right tackle need. The 6-foot-6, 307-pound Louisiana native can play either tackle position, something the club doesn’t need with Rashawn Slater on the left side, but it’s always great to have that option in case of injuries.
Mitchell hasn’t shown he can play against tough competition week after week for the Ragin’ Cajuns, but all indicators point to his being capable. He has the physique, athleticism, and tenacity to develop into a quality (or better?) pro. He’s also tough and a team captain, which could aid Justin Herbert’s front-line protection.
Logan Bruss, OG, Wisconsin, 4th round, No. 123 overall
In this LA Chargers mock draft, the club selects an NFL-ready guard from a school that typically produces strong offensive linemen after picking Max Mitchell, a small school upside choice. Guard Logan Bruss of Wisconsin is this year’s prospect.
According to PFF, the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line rated 10th last season. That’s a little misleading, however, since C Corey Linsley, LG Matt Feiler, and LT Rashawn Slater were all outstanding. RG Michael Schofield III and RT Storm Norton were not very impressive. That’s why, with third- and fourth-round choices, the club seeks to rebuild the right side of the offensive line.
Bruss is a 6-foot-5 guard who weighs 309 pounds and has above-average athleticism. He played right tackle, right guard, and even blocking tight end for the Badgers at times. He has the stats, production, and pedigree to be the Chargers’ Week 1 starter, which is precisely what they need.
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