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Los Angeles Chargers: Everything you need to know about the first round

By Jason Reed

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Head Coach Anthony Lynns of the Los Angeles Chargers calls a time out at the end of the second quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Head Coach Anthony Lynns of the Los Angeles Chargers calls a time out at the end of the second quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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It is draft day! The 2018 NFL Draft is finally upon us! Here is everything you need to know about the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Los Angeles Chargers‘ fans have been waiting months for this day. Three months ago the Chargers played their last regular season game. After an uneventful offseason, the 2018 NFL Draft has been the most anticipated day for the Chargers.

Last year, the Chargers had an excellent draft. Although first-round pick Mike Williams had little impact in his rookie year due to injuries, Dan Feeney and Desmond King were great. With Williams and offensive guard Forrest Lamp set to return healthy, the future is bright for Los Angeles.

There has been so much buzz and coverage around the Los Angeles Chargers and the 2018 NFL Draft that it is hard to keep up. Thus, we compiled one place where you can get everything you need to know for the first round. Starting with, of course, how you can tune in.

  • Time: 5:00 p.m. PST (8:00 PM EST). 
  • Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • How to watch: NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (TV); FuboTV (Online streaming)

After finishing with a 9-7 record, the Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2018 NFL Draft with the 17th overall selection. With that selection have come some rumored names, including the likes of:

  • Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Lamar Jackson has emerged as the potential candidate to sit behind Philip Rivers for a few seasons before taking over the reigns at quarterback. With such a deep draft class, the Chargers can land an elite quarterback in Jackson 17 picks in. Nathan Graber-Lipperman of Bolts from the Blue says that you should not be shocked if the Chargers go with Jackson.

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  • Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

The Los Angeles Chargers were pretty bad at stopping the run last season. Thus, a playmaking inside linebacker of Rashaan Evans’ caliber becomes a very intriguing option to watch.

If Evans is still on the board by the time pick number 17 rolls around, the Chargers are going to have some serious evaluating to do. While he may not be the most talented option available, he instantly fills a huge need for the Chargers. Four writers at Bolt Beat think the Chargers will take Evans.

  • Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

Rashaan Evans’ Crimson Tide teammate somehow is slightly less talented than him yet is still a better fit for the Chargers. Payne is naturally gifted as a defensive tackle but lacks the elite pass-rush capability that has hurt his draft stock.

However, Payne excels at stopping the run and was huge for the Crimson Tide in doing so last season. Thus, Payne, at least on paper, is the best fit for the Chargers.

Who are the experts predicting?

Despite the 2018 NFL Draft seemingly being a three horse race, several experts have the Chargers going with the route of the offensive lineman. While this is unlikely, the Chargers’ hand could be forced if Payne, Evans and Jackson are all off the board. If that is the case, I would not be surprised if the team traded down.

Next: Surprise picks the Chargers can make

Regardless, the 2018 NFL Draft is super exciting and the Los Angeles Chargers are ready to make some headlines.

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