Los Angeles Chargers: Early first-round options in the 2019 NFL Draft
By Jason Reed
Dexter Lawrence ranks a little higher than the Los Angeles Chargers draft slot according to Jeremiah and linebacker Mack Wilson ranked a little lower. Jeremiah ranks Wilson as the 36th-best prospect in the draft class with the common consensus being that he will be a late first rounder or very early second rounder.
While Wilson might not be the best overall player available when the Chargers are on the clock he would make the most sense from a needs standpoint. Linebacker Denzel Perryman is a free agent this season and with an injury history should not be re-signed.
Adrian Phillips is also hitting the market after an All-Pro season and may explore options outside of LA if a payday is there. Either way, the Chargers should be looking to add to the linebacker unit, which was the worst part of the defense last season.
Wilson would fit into the Chargers defense seamlessly and would be a three-down linebacker from day one. Wilson is the best in the passing game with natural instincts and speed that represent this new wave of linebackers in the NFL.
With the tricky defensive schemes that the Chargers run, Wilson can do a lot. He can drop into coverage and adequately cover most NFL tight ends and has the speed to keep up with running backs.
He also has the speed and instincts to stop three-yard runs from turning into eight-yard runs and can be a sneaky good pass-rusher coming in behind the defensive line. Wilson probably is the only linebacker worth taking with the 28th pick, that will still be available of course, and should be the early favorite to go to the Chargers.