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The Athletic's 2 round mock draft, with analysis by Dane Brugler.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
The Chargers need a long-term plan at quarterback. Tyrod Taylor is not that. They have an opportunity to bring in a very talented QB on a rookie deal, and they won’t pass it up. Herbert, with his mobility, athleticism and big arm, fits well with the revamped offensive philosophy Anthony Lynn will be implementing post-Philip Rivers. Tagovailoa would have been the pick if he were still available, but Herbert is a very worthy alternative. And he’ll have a full year to develop with Taylor under contract for 2020. Picking a QB has made the most sense for months. Let’s not overthink it. — Daniel Popper
Dane’s Analysis: Tyrod Taylor is a dependable “bridge” option at quarterback, but what is the long-term plan? I think the top-six is too rich for Herbert, but quarterbacks always get pushed up. While I have strong reservations about the former Oregon passer ever reaching Pro Bowl status, I understand why a team like the Chargers would be willing to draft him this high.
The Chargers need a long-term plan at quarterback. Tyrod Taylor is not that. They have an opportunity to bring in a very talented QB on a rookie deal, and they won’t pass it up. Herbert, with his mobility, athleticism and big arm, fits well with the revamped offensive philosophy Anthony Lynn will be implementing post-Philip Rivers. Tagovailoa would have been the pick if he were still available, but Herbert is a very worthy alternative. And he’ll have a full year to develop with Taylor under contract for 2020. Picking a QB has made the most sense for months. Let’s not overthink it. — Daniel Popper
Dane’s Analysis: Tyrod Taylor is a dependable “bridge” option at quarterback, but what is the long-term plan? I think the top-six is too rich for Herbert, but quarterbacks always get pushed up. While I have strong reservations about the former Oregon passer ever reaching Pro Bowl status, I understand why a team like the Chargers would be willing to draft him this high.
30. *TRADE* Los Angeles Chargers (via Seattle Seahawks, via Packers): Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
The Seahawks, who held this pick after swapping picks with the Packers on Monday night, now trade back again, this time taking themselves out of the first round entirely. In exchange for this No. 30 pick, the Chargers give Seattle picks 37, 112 and 186.
A quick explanation from Seahawks beat writer Michael-Shawn Dugar on why he traded out of the first round: “The Seahawks didn’t have 27 first-round grades on this crop of prospects so they began the day searching for ways to move back, thus the swap with Green Bay to acquire pick No. 30 along with a fourth-rounder and a sixth-rounder. There was some thought to staying put at 30, depending on how quickly edge rushers were coming off the board. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa didn’t go until 26 so we knew we were in good shape. Seattle feels strongly about taking Yetur Gross-Matos of Penn State with its top pick, and finding the best offensive linemen available after that. Once it became clear Seattle could snag Gross-Matos early in the second, it was time to shop the 30th pick. Now Seattle can grab its edge rusher early in the second, take an offensive tackle tackle right after that and use its surplus of fourth-round picks (four total) to move up at the end of Day 2 and add a late third-rounder if another pass-rusher like Bradley Anae is available.”
From the Chargers’ perspective: After quarterback, the Chargers’ next biggest need is left tackle. Cleveland was most likely not going to make it to pick 37, where the Chargers were slated to pick in the second round. So they give up a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to get back into the first and take the Boise State product, who is big, athletic and a polished pass blocker. He would create the competition at left tackle the Chargers desperately require after they traded away Russell Okung this offseason. — Daniel Popper
Dane’s Analysis: With no guarantee that the run on offensive tackles would reach the Chargers in the early second round, they wisely move a few spots to guarantee they land one. Cleveland has his anchor issues, but he is a terrific athlete and should compete for the starting left tackle job from day one, protecting Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert.
The Seahawks, who held this pick after swapping picks with the Packers on Monday night, now trade back again, this time taking themselves out of the first round entirely. In exchange for this No. 30 pick, the Chargers give Seattle picks 37, 112 and 186.
A quick explanation from Seahawks beat writer Michael-Shawn Dugar on why he traded out of the first round: “The Seahawks didn’t have 27 first-round grades on this crop of prospects so they began the day searching for ways to move back, thus the swap with Green Bay to acquire pick No. 30 along with a fourth-rounder and a sixth-rounder. There was some thought to staying put at 30, depending on how quickly edge rushers were coming off the board. Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa didn’t go until 26 so we knew we were in good shape. Seattle feels strongly about taking Yetur Gross-Matos of Penn State with its top pick, and finding the best offensive linemen available after that. Once it became clear Seattle could snag Gross-Matos early in the second, it was time to shop the 30th pick. Now Seattle can grab its edge rusher early in the second, take an offensive tackle tackle right after that and use its surplus of fourth-round picks (four total) to move up at the end of Day 2 and add a late third-rounder if another pass-rusher like Bradley Anae is available.”
From the Chargers’ perspective: After quarterback, the Chargers’ next biggest need is left tackle. Cleveland was most likely not going to make it to pick 37, where the Chargers were slated to pick in the second round. So they give up a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to get back into the first and take the Boise State product, who is big, athletic and a polished pass blocker. He would create the competition at left tackle the Chargers desperately require after they traded away Russell Okung this offseason. — Daniel Popper
Dane’s Analysis: With no guarantee that the run on offensive tackles would reach the Chargers in the early second round, they wisely move a few spots to guarantee they land one. Cleveland has his anchor issues, but he is a terrific athlete and should compete for the starting left tackle job from day one, protecting Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert.
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