Why It Works: While Philip Rivers has the potential to take the Chargers to a Super Bowl, the window is closing. It’s a similar situation to the one the New York Giants find themselves in with Eli Manning — a fitting end to their paths being forever connected on Draft Day 14-years ago. Just like how many believe the Giants need to find Eli’s replacement in this draft the Chargers could use a first-rounder on a prospect who can develop behind Rivers for a few years before taking the reigns.
The Chargers have already apparently been thrilled with Jackson and the way he retains information and breaks down situations they threw at him. He won’t need to start right away and might be in an Aaron Rodgers situation where he sits until Rivers either retires or is pushed out. If Jackson realizes his potential, imagine an offense with Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry being led by the next evolution of peak Mike Vick.
All of the AFC just shuddered at the thought.
Why It Won’t: This all depends on who is on the board for the Chargers when they go on the clock. Drafting a replacement for Rivers is enticing, especially when the prospect is as good as Jackson can be, but there are other areas of more immediate need. For example, if a safety falls then the Chargers will want to pounce on such an opportunity. There’s a chance a solid defensive lineman is available which would also outweigh the need to draft Jackson.
It’s a luxury for the Chargers to take a quarterback, which is a primary reason why it might not happen.