Chargers 7-round mock draft: Who Alex has heading to LA in every round

(from New England) Round 3, Pick 95: Duke CB Chandler Rivers

After addressing their two primary needs, LA could look to find a trade back in the third round. Pittsburgh, New England, and Baltimore make sense as partners, as all three are flush with picks (the Steelers have 12, while the other two have 11). Here, I have the Chargers trading the 86th pick for 95, 171, and 247 to fill in their missing fifth and seventh round selections.

Rivers has strong character feedback from NFL teams, as reported by The Athletic's Dane Brugler, and his instincts in both man and zone coverage on the outside or in the slot are appealing traits. The Chargers value instincts and experience on the boundary at corner, which make Rivers a natural fit despite his 5'9" size (LA doesn't place as much of an emphasis on size at the position).

Round 4, Pick 123: Missouri WR Kevin Coleman Jr.

Coleman played for four schools in four years, which may raise some questions in NFL buildings, but he'd fit what the Chargers need as a threat after the catch. Another player whose work ethic was praised by his coaches in Brugler's draft guide, Coleman is a slippery route runner but only ran a handful of routes for the Tigers. He also has returned punts all four years, including a 67-yard touchdown this season. That skillset could push Derius Davis as the primary punt returner and underneath, gadget-type threat as a receiver.

(from New England) Round 5, Pick 171: Arizona S Dalton Johnson

The Chargers have taken two defensive backs in each of their first two drafts under GM Joe Hortiz, all four of whom were Day 3 picks. With Rivers off the board in the third, we can hit a second DB here with Johnson, who LA sent safeties coach Adam Fuller to see at Arizona's pro day in March. With experience all over the formation, including in the nickel, Johnson also fits the Chargers' mold as a versatile player in the secondary. He also has 559 career snaps on special teams and would be an immediate contributor in that phase of the game.

Round 6, Pick 204: Kansas OT Enrique Cruz Jr.

With additional picks, the Chargers would have the ability to add much-needed depth to the offensive line. That would likely come at tackle in this scenario - a guard pick earlier on would give the team five guards (Cole Strange, Trevor Penning, Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor, and the draft pick) with potential to make the roster, but only three tackles (Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, and Trey Pipkins III). Cruz has experience at both tackle spots and was described as "an interesting Day 3 flier for a team running a zone scheme" by Brugler.

(from New England) Round 7, Pick 247: Illinois DT James Thompson Jr.

Scott Matlock is staying on the offensive side of the ball despite the scheme change and addition of fullback Alec Ingold, so there's a role available on the defensive line to replace outgoing free agent Otito Ogbonnia. A quick and powerful player, Thompson is more flash than consistent playmaker right now. A smaller rotational role - which is all the Chargers have to offer with Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Justin Eboigbe on the front line - could suit Thompson as he tries to further hone his tools.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers 7-round mock draft: Who Alex has heading to LA in every round