2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock and predictions for all 32 picks
By Zach Cohen
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. player. Oregon. Justin Herbert. 6. 13
The Pick: I’m not entirely sold the Chargers want a quarterback, though I haven’t seen a single player linked more to Los Angeles than Herbert has been. Then again, general manager Tom Telesco is no stranger to keeping his cards close to his chest. I’m also a believer in Tyrod Taylor, and the Chargers may be too.
Unfortunately, he’s 30 and has just one year left on his contract, so Herbert may end up staying on the west coast. With the right help — on and off the field — he can be a good replacement for Philip Rivers.
Alternative Picks: Like with Miami, this may come down to Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa. If the Dolphins hold the key to the draft, then the Chargers hold the spare. There’s been some recent speculation that Los Angeles could bypass a quarterback altogether. I can see that being a good choice for them, especially if they have enough faith in Taylor.
But everything seems to point to a quarterback here. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers make a move to jump the Dolphins to get their guy. If, for some reason, they don’t take a passer here, then things can get real interesting. An offensive lineman would certainly help, as would Isaiah Simmons. Pairing him with Derwin James should be illegal.