2019 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts as he walks off the field after the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 10: West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker David Long Jr. (11) celebrates after the Mountaineers recovered a fumble on a kickoff during the second quarter of the college football game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the West Virginia Mountaineers on November 10, 2018, at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 3: David Long

Long is one of the riskier linebackers who projects to go somewhere around the third round. We wouldn’t blame the Chargers for playing it safer here, but if Long hits he could be a perfect fit for what Anthony Lynn’s defense needs.

Long projects to be a weakside linebacker at the next level. His best trait is his ability to knife into the opposing backfield and make plays. You’d expect a player with his athleticism to show a little more polish in coverage, but that part of his game needs work. It’s his ability to make plays in space that really intrigues you when you watch his tape.

At worst, Los Angeles can draft Long and install him as an important part of their nickel defense in 2019. He’s got the speed and athleticism to rush the passer right away. You might think the Chargers already have enough guys who can get to the opposing quarterback, but no NFL teams will ever feel they have enough pass rushers.

The downside to Long is that he’s not going to be able to stand up against the run early in his career. The Chargers could easily elect to select a guy who can play all three downs right away at this point in the draft. In this mock, we’re projecting them to swing for the fences with Long. It’d be a gamble, but it’s also the sort of pick that can make a GM look really smart after a few seasons.

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