The Los Angeles Chargers now have their quarterback of the future with Justin Herbert at the helm. Now, they look to build around their franchise quarterback with a strong draft. Los Angeles has four picks in the top 100, including two third-round picks and glaring holes along the offensive and defensive lines and the cornerback spot. Tom Telesco is one of the most respected general managers in the league but needs a strong draft, or else he could be firmly on the hot seat.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 13: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
The Chargers desperately need offensive line help. Any of the positions except for right tackle could be up for grabs at the start of next season. Thankfully, the 2021 class is full of good tackles. Cosmi is one of the many first-round caliber prospects in a tackle class that will provide lots of teams with starters at either tackle spot. Cosmi is potentially the second-best tackle in the draft. Herbert needs help on the offensive line immediately for him to continue his growth into one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.
For more on Cosmi, you can read our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 47: Creed Humphrey, IOL, Oklahoma
When some teams have such a glaring need, they attack it early and often. That is the case for the offensive line for the Chargers. After taking Cosmi in the first round to start at left tackle, they snag Humphrey in the second round to replace Pouncey at the center spot. Los Angeles has Trai Turner currently slotted in as the right guard and a hole at left tackle with both Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp impending free agents. If one of those two comes back, the Chargers offensive line is beginning to look a whole lot better.
Round 3, Pick 77: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Michael Davis is an impending free agent, and Casey Hayward and Chris Harris aren’t getting any younger. Adebo was once thought of as a potential first-round prospect for the 2020 draft. He didn’t declare and has now taken a tumble down the draft board for the 2021 season. Adebo is placed firmly on day two and maybe even day three with concerns about his speed. He is a great coverage cornerback with great ball skills and is a willing tackler. If anyone can make the most out of him, it’s Brandon Staley. Staley had success with other cornerbacks similar to Adebo with the Rams.
Round 3, Pick 97: Osa Odighizuwa, IDL, UCLA
Jerry Tillery has been a bust since the Chargers took him in the first round in the 2019 season. The tandem of Justin Jones and Linval Joseph was a disappointment in 2020. Los Angeles finds a steal as Odighizuwa falls to them in the bottom of the third round. He can play on the interior or on the edge and gives it his all on every play. The Chargers need to add depth to their defensive line and find some new pieces to bring their defense back to its 2018 form.
Round 4, Pick 118: Janarius Robinson, EDGE, Florida State
There are plenty of players at the college level that, for some reason, couldn’t produce. Robinson has all the tools in the world as a former four-star recruit but couldn’t consistently perform at a high level. When he did, the flashes were eye-popping. Robinson can play in a variety of different roles, be it as a stand-up rusher, a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, or even on the interior.
Round 5, Pick 160: Tyree Gillespie, SAF, Missouri
Both Rayshawn Jenkins and Jahleel Addai are impending free agents. That leaves the Chargers with Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, and Alohi Gilman as the only safeties on the roster. Gillespie is a sneaky option in the back-half of the draft that can be this year’s, Kamren Curl. He is a great run defender. Gillespie stood up Najee Harris on the goal-line not once but twice on the same drive. He was trusted with covering Kyle Pitts one-on-one and held Pitts in check in that game. Gillespie is the perfect definition of a sleeper, and getting a potential starting safety in the fifth-round is something Telesco will take any given day.
For more on Gillespie, you can read our scouting report on him here.
Round 6, Pick 200: DJ Daniel, CB, Georgia
As said earlier, the Chargers could afford to add some pieces to their cornerback room. Daniel could come in on sub-packages while also being a contributor on special teams. Staley will be advocating for his type of players in the secondary, and Daniel is just that.
Round 6, Pick 206: Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida
Mike Williams will be playing 2021 on his fifth-year option. If the Chargers get desperate for cap space, they could cut Williams and save over $15 million. Unfortunately, that opens up a big hole in his place. Grimes was the third option in the Florida passing attack behind Pitts and Kadarius Toney. He is a redzone threat that is a great contested-catch receiver. Grimes is also a willing blocker on the boundary.
Round 7, Pick 235: Tamorrion Terry, WR, Florida State
The Chargers could afford to add another receiver at the end of the draft. Terry, a favorite of some in the draft community, is an electrifying height/weight/speed prospect. He is 6’4″ and can run in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. Los Angeles doesn’t have hardly any depth behind Williams and Keenan Allen, so adding a receiver or two shouldn’t come as a surprise.
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