:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67654635/1279906534.jpg.0.jpg)
If the season were to end today, the Chargers would have earned the 8th-overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft with their 1-4 record, marking back-to-back years where they have picked within the top 10.
The last time the Bolts picked in the top 10 in consecutive seasons was the 2016 and 2017 seasons where they selected defensive ens Joey Bosa and wide receiver Mike Williams at #3 and #7, respectively.
The #8-overall pick doesn’t have the greatest track record of success over the last 10 years, with two of the picks being out of the NFL as of this moment and another four who are on their second team.
- 2020: S/LB Isaiah Simmons - Cardinals
- 2019: TE T.J. Hockenson - Lions
- 2018: LB Roquan Smith - Bears
- 2017: RB Christian McCaffrey - Panthers
- 2016: OT Jack Conklin - Titans
- 2015: OLB Vic Beasley - Falcons
- 2014: CB Justin Gilbert - Browns
- 2013: WR Tavon Austin - Rams
- 2012: QB Ryan Tannehill - Dolphins
- 2011: QB Jake Locker - Titans
The highlight of the group has got to be McCaffrey, with Tannehill closing in behind him due to his resurgence with the Titans over the last season and a half. Otherwise, you have some decent players in Conklin, Smith, and potentially Hockenson if he can find some consistency in Detroit.
Normally, I’d look at this and think it isn’t a good thing to be picking here, but the teams who have picked at #8 over the last 10 years have been team who were notoriously bad at drafting throughout the last decade. Tom Telesco has been much more consistent than those clubs since 2013 and it may end up being a sweet spot to pick up a good player at a number of positions, including offensive line, cornerback, or edge rusher.
This coming draft could potentially have three quarterbacks in the top-10 with an assortment of defenders, tackles and a potential wide receiver thrown in. A blue-chip talent could easily fall to #8. If that’s the case, then maybe there could be one more silver lining to lean on if this season doesn’t turn around, starting with this week’s game against the Jaguars.