Los Angeles Chargers: Three things that could happen in the second round

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3. The Los Angeles Chargers trade up to draft Mason Rudolph

Some expected the Los Angeles Chargers to draft Lamar Jackson with the 17th overall pick to be the eventual successor to Philip Rivers. With that pick ultimately not happening, Mason Rudolph has emerged as the next best fit for LA.

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It helps that the Chargers reportedly are eyeing a trade up in the second round to secure Rudolph’s services. With the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos all ahead of the Chargers, it would take a trade up to the Browns’ 33rd overall pick to guarantee Rudolph.

Rudolph was a great college quarterback that simply needs to tweak the finer details to become a great NFL level quarterback. Although he can extend plays, Rudolph is the prototypical pocket passer that would allow a seamless transition from Rivers’ playstyle.

Rudolph is the perfect option to sit behind Rivers for a few seasons before eventually getting the starting job. While he might struggle from day one as a starter, allowing him to blossom underneath Rivers would make the most out of his natural ability.

The Chargers would likely have to package the second-round pick alongside a third and seventh round pick to move up that many slots. Or, the team could package the second round pick with next year’s second; allowing them to still draft a linebacker or defensive tackle in the third round.

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This move is the riskiest. The Los Angeles Chargers don’t necessarily need to find Rivers’ successor yet, but it is not too early to start looking. If the team is confident with their defense in stopping the run, I would not be surprised to see this deal happen.

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