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Sports Illustrated’s Chris Burke released his two-day mock draft this week. Let’s take a look at how he has the Los Angeles Chargers spending their firs three picks:
7) Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
By more traditional metrics, the Chargers offense in 2016 was fairly capable. They finished the year in the top 10 in scoring and were 14th in total yards. Those stats are actually kinder to them than they deserve as they finished 19th in DVOA and 24th by Weighted DVOA as they actually got worse as the season wore on. With that in mind and the continued inability of Keenan Allen to stay healthy, you have to at least consider going offense at #7.
Is Davis the right offensive player to select if you go that route, though? He’s arguably the best receiver in the class. The Chargers cannot afford to spend another first round pick on a running back. Tight end is pretty far from being a position of need. And that leaves you asking if any of the offensive linemen in this year’s draft merit the 7th overall pick. The general consensus seems to be “no” on that question, but a player like Forrest Lamp or Garrett Bolles would probably do more to help out Philip Rivers than any receiver could.
38) Budda Baker, S, Washington
The Chargers’ best safety is Jahleel Addae. He brings something to the table, no doubt. He is a physical presence and is a team leader. He is also a liability in coverage, an inconsistent tackler, and one of the most injury prone players on a team filled with injury prone players. Washington’s Baker is a first round talent. He can play as a single high or inside the box. He can cover and he can provide support against the run. The Chargers do not currently have a player on their roster that can match his skills. He would be an instant and substantial upgrade to an already better than most realize defense.
71) Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh
Philip Rivers is not going to play forever. Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has already expressed interest in adding a developmental quarterback this year. He played under center at Pitt. He started a lot of games, so there is a reasonable amount of tape on him. He was largely effective and Pitt was able to win games with him at quarterback. Former NFL General Manager Mike Lombardi has compared him to Kirk Cousins, and while that is not an exciting name, Cousins has been an effective NFL quarterback. You could do worse in the third round.
What do you think? Would you be happy with this first two days of the draft for the Chargers?