Los Angeles Chargers, OL, Trey Pipkins (No. 91 overall)
Honestly, the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t have a bad pick. They were among the top teams who drafted well. Still, the not-so-easy target for this exercise is ultimately Trey Pipkins. Coming into the draft, one of the Chargers biggest needs was tackle. The developmental tackle from Sioux Falls has all the tools to become a starter in the NFL.
However, a better option with more immediate potential was still available in Yodny Cajuste from West Virginia. Cajuste has ideal traits for a left tackle in a power scheme but can come in right away and help at right tackle. He’s a powerful blocker with sudden movements and quick feet.
While he doesn’t have experience on the right side or at guard, he does project favorably at either position. The Chargers could have also opted to take a quarterback who was a better prospect than Easton Stick.
Will Grier to the Chargers instead of Pipkins in Round 3 would have made more sense. Rivers is still playing at an elite level, but it was clear the Chargers wanted to develop a young guy. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have taken Stick. Grier, however, is a better prospect.
Grier works the middle of the field and attacks the seam which fits the Chargers scheme. With a couple of years behind Rivers, Grier could have developed into the Chargers’ next franchise quarterback.