Chargers 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Chargers pick up first-round QB
By Jason Reed
In the second round of our 2018 NFL mock draft we went from the offensive side of the ball to the defensive side with a guy that would instantly start on the Los Angeles Chargers; Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. Phillips was one of Stanford’s best players last season and his strong play will translate very well to the NFL.
Phillips, a senior who earned the starting nod in his junior year, was electric for Stanford last season. In 14 games played, Phillips made 92 total tackles, 14.5 of which were for a loss of yards and 7.5 of which were sacks. On top of all that, Phillips had two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Phillips may not be the most menacing pass-rusher once he gets to the NFL, but his strong suit is instead in stopping the run. This is exactly the missing piece the Chargers need to complete their defense.
The pass rush is already incredibly with Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Corey Luiget leading the way. However, the Chargers Achilles’ Heel on defense was stopping the run; something Luiget and fellow defensive tackle Brandon Mebane did not succeed in.
With Phillips, the Chargers sum up their front four and add a much-needed dynamic. For Phillips, the Chargers are exactly the team he should want to be drafted to. Playing alongside Bosa, Ingram and Luiget is only going to give him more opportunities and help ease the transition from college to the NFL.