The Los Angeles Chargers are penciled in with the sixth overall pick for the 2020 NFL Draft, and with that, they presumably have two options — quarterback or offensive line.
With the Chargers and Phillip Rivers mutually parting ways, the quarterback position has become a significant area of need. However, this year’s free-agent class is loaded with veteran options under center, such as Tom Brady, Teddy Bridgewater, and Ryan Tannehill just to name a few.
If the Chargers configure their next signal-caller during the free agency window, investing in a premier offensive lineman shapes up as their best option come the draft.
The 2020 draft class of offensive lineman is arguably the deepest it’s been in recent memory. Though, not many offensive tackles are built like Louisville’s Mekhi Becton.
Becton’s official measurement at the combine came in at 6′ 7″, 364 lbs, making him the largest NFL hopeful in Indianapolis this week. Even with Becton lugging around his gigantic frame, he carried his weight well, posting a staggering 5.1-second 40-yard dash.
But it’s not just the fact that Becton can move well, his wingspan and hands measured in among the top at his position. With an 83 2/8″ wingspan and 10 6/8″ hands, many have compared him to the Las Vegas Raiders’ Trent Brown for his monumental size and freakish athleticism.
Last season, the Chargers allowed 34 sacks and specifically struggled off the edge when Sam Trevi and Trent Scott were put in numerous pass protection sets. Currently, Tevi and Russell Okung are projected as the Chargers’ starting offensive tackles, but if the organization decides to go in the direction of adding Becton to the front five, his blend of extraordinary size and agile mobility would serve the offensive line for the better.
Playing in the AFC West demands a lot from the offensive tackles as they’re constantly matched up against high-end edge rushers such as Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Frank Clark, and Maxx Crosby.
With that said, putting an emphasis on the offensive line, especially in this year’s NFL Draft where they’re high-level options at the top of the tackle market, suggests the Chargers may want to invest in a cornerstone offensive tackle with Mekhi Becton being a top option in doing so.
