2020 NFL Draft: Five teams who should target Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts

Los Angeles Chargers

A well-built roster with an aging quarterback. Phillip Rivers has been simply disappointing for Los Angeles this season with close, choked losses throughout the year. A roster with so many star players should not be put to waste. That is where the addition of Hurts comes into the fold.

Assuming the Chargers are able to retain their offensive pieces, running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler would respectively provide a reliable running game as well as a checkdown target to keep the young quarterback in rhythm. With receiving targets Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry, Hurts would have a trio of targets who combine size, speed, and route-running to make throws easier.

The Chargers defense is also transitioning into a top-flight unit, capable of keeping their lackluster offense in games. Budding star safety Derwin James has continued to assert himself among the elite when healthy, and pass-rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram continue to wreak havoc on the offensive backfields of the AFC West. Great defenses are what help young quarterbacks to success (ex: 2002 playoffs’ New England Patriots & Tom Brady).

When Hurts arrives for his first year in Los Angeles, his role would be to back up and be a mentee to veteran Phillip Rivers. Rivers would most likely be retained on a one-year farewell contract, or the Chargers could go in a different direction and sign a journeyman such as Ryan Fitzpatrick to captain the ship until the time is right.