Los Angeles Chargers 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Post-free agency

With the 186th pick of this 2020 NFL mock draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select LB Justin Strnad, Wake Forest.

His fit with the Los Angeles Chargers: Even with the signing of Nick Vigil from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chargers still need more depth at linebacker before entering training camp. While there will most likely not be a starting job up for grabs, having valuable depth at linebacker is one of the more underrated components of having an elite defense.

In the seven years that Telesco has been general manager for the Chargers, he has drafted at least one linebacker in every draft except 2017. I expect this trend to continue with Strnad.

Strnad is an excellent zone coverage linebacker and could develop into a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker at the next level. His tackling can be hit or miss but his motor is always running and when he does get a good hit on an opponent he can deliver some explosive hits. I would expect him to play the WILL on the Chargers defense.

Strnad will also be invaluable on special teams after the Chargers lost aces Derek Watt and Adrian Phillips this offseason.

With the 220th pick of this 2020 NFL mock draft, the Los Angeles Chargers select OT Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon.

His fit with the Los Chargers: Sending out left tackle Russell Okung in the trade that acquired Turner from Carolina seemed to open up a massive hole on the left side of the line. In Okung’s absence last season, Trent Scott was abysmal which has led to talk of him moving inside to guard.

So why not draft a tackle sooner? Last year’s third-rounder Trey Pipkins and their belief that the hire of Packers ex-offensive line coach James Campen can turn him in to a star.

However, it’s always safe to have back up options and that’s why they take Throckmorton with their last pick in the draft. His familiarity with first-round pick Justin Herbert might provide a nice boost for them both as they learn the nuances of the NFL together.

Throckmorton is another kind of developmental versatile swing tackle that the Chargers love to stash on their roster and practice squad. Throckmorton could develop into a solid back up for either position on the right side of the line.