Chargers rumors: Offensive tackle taking priority in Round 1

We are two weeks away from putting all of the mock drafts and speculations to bed and finally knowing who will be the newest member of the Chargers.

So, what might they do in the first round?

According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, addressing the offensive line might take priority.

Wide receiver is an obvious hole, but it is offensive tackle that has continued to come up when speaking to sources about the Chargers. “The offensive line has always been the hub of the offense for Harbaugh,” an AFC director of college scouting said. “He didn’t even have highly recruited wideouts at Michigan, and now that thought process is supposed to change?”

Los Angeles has been linked to Notre Dame offensive tackle throughout the pre-draft cycle. But trading back, stockpiling on picks and coming away with a lineman might be the move.

If the Chargers do opt to move out of their slot, keep an eye on Alabama’s JC Latham or Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga as plug-and-play options at right tackle. Both have more upside than projected starter Trey Pipkins III and fit the style of football that the franchise wants to establish.

Jim Harbaugh has made it clear that he wants to run the football and establish a high level of physicality on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, Joe Hortiz is not afraid to move up or down. And for a team like the Chargers, who need to retool the roster, the more picks, the better.

However, Hortiz is also notorious for taking the best player available, so sitting at No. 5 and taking a wide receiver, like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. (if available), LSU’s Malik Nabers, or Washington’s Rome Odunze could also be the direction they go.