Los Angeles Chargers: How real is possibility of drafting a quarterback?
By Derek Snyder
The Los Angeles Chargers could be in position to take a quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft, but does that mean the rookie would have a chance to start?
It’s hard to believe anything an NFL team says regarding players this close to the draft, but Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn did make a comment that was pretty darn interesting concerning the team’s potential quarterback race. With the Bolts currently sitting with the 17th overall pick, there are some experts who believe the Bolts could use that selection on a young quarterback.
Philip Rivers will be turning 37 years old in December, which means the Chargers front-office is, more than likely, currently looking at a long-term option at quarterback. However, even though Rivers is getting closer to age 40 each passing day, it doesn’t automatically mean his head coach is ready to move on from the veteran any time soon.
When asked how the Chargers would handle the front-office drafting a quarterback from this year’s field, here’s how Lynn responded, courtesy of Rick Henne’s post on the team’s official website:
"“Philip, he’s still playing like a young man. This is going to be his squad. If we bring in another quarterback, it’s definitely a guy we feel like can sit for a couple of years and play behind Philip and learn, and maybe be the future.”"
Contrary to popular belief, including my own, it definitely sounds like Lynn is banking on Rivers producing at a high level for the next 2-3 years. In his defense, it wouldn’t be the first time a 37-year old quarterback took his team to the playoffs.
But it’s Lynn’s comments on trusting Geno Smith and Cardale Jones that has me a bit concerned.
"“I have a lot of confidence in Cardale Jones,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence in Geno Smith. I wouldn’t look past those two right now.”"
I know that Jones and Smith are two players Lynn has a lot of confidence in, but that’s almost cringe-worthy to think about. I’m sure Smith and Jones will do a great job preparing Rivers this season as the backup quarterbacks, but under no circumstances do I believe either of those two guys will be ready to excel in the next few years, maybe ever.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection
I’m not advocating for Los Angeles to draft a quarterback next week, but I am questioning Lynn’s position on his backups. Maybe he sees something in practice that we don’t see on a daily basis. Either way, nether Jones or Smith have a track-record of being very good in this league, much less a defense-heavy AFC West.