Chargers Mock Draft: Bolts Trade Down and Land Star OT in Latest NFL Network Prediction
The Los Angeles Chargers currently hold the No. 5 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but there has been talk about them possibly moving it to trade down. With the quarterback position being in such high demand, opposing teams have been looking at different ways to get into the top couple of picks to grab from the strong quarterback class.
In his latest mock draft, NFL Network expert Daniel Jeremiah has the Chargers trading down with the New York Jets. The Bolts would land pick No. 10 in the first round, giving them extra draft capital most likely, which also allowing them to still take a game-changing talent.
In this scenario, he has the Bolts taking offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State. The Chargers have been rumored to be looking to beef up their offensive line, so it would make sense for them to look at the senior lineman.
"The Chargers have stressed that they want to be able to protect Justin Herbert and run the ball under Jim Harbaugh. Fuaga is the most physical blocker in the draft and would start at right guard in Year 1 before becoming the long-term right tackle. I know there are Bolts fans who want to see them pick a receiver early in Round 1, but they can get a first-round-caliber wideout in the second round this year -- and they'd also pick up a second-round pick in next year’s draft by making this projected trade with the Jets. Getting extra picks is going to be part of the building plan here, allowing Los Angeles to add starters via the draft at an affordable price after paying Herbert big bucks."
Fuaga would give the Bolts some solid blocking in the interior of their line from day one. Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Bolts will be looking to build up the trenches on both sides, so taking a lineman in the first round always made sense.
The key objective for this team is keeping quarterback Justin Herbert upright, so protecting him is crucial. This pick would allow the Bolts to continue their mission in doing that, while also adding more assets to the table.
