TEMPE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks warms up before the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It’s a near certainty the Los Angeles Chargers will select a quarterback with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but they have many other offensive needs too.
The “offseason of the quarterback” is in full swing in Los Angeles as the Chargers have parted ways with Philip Rivers. In hiss tead, Tyrod Taylor is in line to start under center for the 2020 season.
Of course, all eyes are on the quarterback position for Chargers fans, but the team has a surprisingly high number of other offensive needs. Another running back will likely be added to the mix behind Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson with Melvin Gordon now in Denver. The Chargers would be wise to also select a receiver and to add to their offensive line in April’s draft.
Defensively, the Chargers are set in the backfield with the cornerbacks and safeties locked into their roles. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are top-tier pieces on the edge, but it’s unlikely the team will eventually be able to sign both, so perhaps Anthony Lynn would like to add another piece on the line. The team also has a serious need for linebackers, with an emphasis on versatility and speed.
Unlike many teams, the Chargers have exactly one selection in every round of the draft. They have the potential to address nearly all of their needs during the 2020 NFL Draft.
First Round
6
Justin Herbert
QB Oregon
Joe Burrow is the clear top quarterback in the draft, and Tua Tagovailoa is likely the next one off the board. Unfortunately for the Chargers, the Miami Dolphins select one pick before them, and they’re probably taking Tua. That would make this selection a two-way battle between Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Utah State’s Jordan Love.
In some circles, many believe Love is the higher-upside prospect, but he comes with a fair amount of risk. Last season, Love threw 17 interceptions, which is exactly the kind of issue that made it easy for the Chargers to move on from Rivers. Herbert had just six INTs while passing for 32 touchdowns. He is the safer option, and could even wind up as the top quarterback coming out of this class.
Additionally, Herbert proved that he can make plays with his legs. In the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin, he found the end zone three times on runs. He’s not overly-mobile, but he does add another dimension to an offense the Chargers could benefit from.