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Los Angele Chargers: ACC targets can improve team in 2018 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers Gus Bradley watches the play on the field during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers Gus Bradley watches the play on the field during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Chris Westry #21 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Chris Westry #21 of the Kentucky Wildcats during the game at Commonwealth Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Round 2: Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Although Philip Rivers has been playing his best football as of late, the Chargers can’t afford to ignore a successor. The 36-year old veteran has compiled a Hall of Fame worthy career, but with just two years left on his contract, there’s no reason the Chargers are guaranteed to keep him around.

Rivers may want to leave for greener pasture in hopes of winning the illustrious championship, and who can blame him? It’s hard to say just what type of quarterback the Chargers will look for to replace him, but with this deep and dynamic group of guys, it will be wise for them to grab a guy sooner rather than later.

The dynamic Lamar Jackson is the perfect fit for the Chargers who could use a quality backup. Jackson is a long-term investment for the future and sitting behind someone great like a Philip Rivers will undoubtedly directly or inadvertently have a positive impact on his development. When you think of Jackson the first thing that likely comes to mind is deadly athleticism and running ability. In college he had back-to-back seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards with a school record of over 1,500, however he’s more than that. Jackson can pass, he has a cannon for an arm that allows the ball to come off with ease. He’s progressed from year to year in terms of playing the position in the pocket which is a testament to his potential and vast ceiling. According to NFL.com Lance Zierlen Jackson has shown more than just improvement in the pocket.

"“Can drive it with velocity. Pocket poise and pre-snap plan has improved each year. Has improved ability to hold safeties and linebackers with his eyes. Feathery deep ball touch off play fakes. Requirement of full-time spy lightens coverage numbers. Willing to take sack over making haphazard throw. Maestro of improv who is Second City worthy.”"

While Lamar Jackson doesn’t help the Chargers in their pursuit of getting Rivers his Super Bowl, but he does give them a building block for the future. If they are patient in the way the Patriots were with Jimmy Garoppolo, the Chargers could groom a successor and keep him around, unlike the Pats. This could be the Brett Favre-Aaron Rogers scenario if they play their cards right.

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