Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles made sure to draft for the immediate future rather than the long term. That’s the commitment the team made to Philip Rivers when he decided to follow it from San Diego. It will also likely push the Chargers into playoff contention this upcoming season.
We weren’t too fond of the pick of Mike Williams seventh overall. With Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin already on the roster at receiver, there seemed to be more pressing needs for Los Angeles. That’s until we realize Allen himself has missed 23 games to injury over the past two seasons.
Outside of missing all but one game of the 2015 season to injury, the 6-foot-4 Williams gained valuable experience as Deshaun Watson’s favorite target with the Tigers. He also has the looks of a true No. 1 receiver.
“Mike Williams is all about separating with length, power and catch radius,” NFL Media’s Mike Mayock said about Williams during the draft. “He’s a dominating, physical presence. He’s a back-shoulder guy. You’ll love him in the red zone.”
That will be absolutely huge for Rivers. It gives him three reliable targets at receiver to work with. Add in the presence of a dynamic young running back in Melvin Gordon, and the Chargers seem set at the skill positions.
General manager Tom Telesco wasn’t done there. He added the two-best interior linemen in the class with the team’s next two picks. San Diego nabbed former Western Kentucky standout Forrest Lamp in the second round before doubling down at guard with Dan Feeney in the third round.
Lamp was considered a top-20 pick by most experts, while the Chargers picked up Feeney about a round later than he should have gone. Both are considered Day 1 starters and should help improve what was a questionable offensive line last season.
Interestingly enough, Los Angeles’ best pick might have come in the fifth round when it added former Iowa cornerback Desmond King. Considered by most a Day 2 pick, King will likely translate over to free safety in the NFL. A three-year starter with the Hawkeyes, he might actually earn a starting gig as a rookie.
These were key areas for Los Angeles to address. And in the end, the team added four likely Day 1 starters at areas of utmost concern. With the talent returning from this roster, it would not be a surprise to see the Chargers rebound from last season’s disastrous performance to contend in the AFC West.