PFF gives Day 2 and Day 3 draft fits for Chargers

It’s easier to find sure-fire talent in the first round of the draft, but beyond that, there’s still a good chance to unearth key contributors on the second and third day.

For each team, Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness listed potential fits on Days 2 and 3. For the Chargers, he sees Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil and center Drake Nugent as good options.

On Sainristil:

Jim Harbaugh is trying to change the culture in Los Angeles, so who better to start with on defense than Mike Sainristil, whom he coached at Michigan? Sainristil brings extreme competitiveness and excellent ball skills to the slot cornerback position. He would be a major improvement for a team that was among the worst at defending the slot last season.

Sainristil isn’t the biggest player, standing at 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds, but the way he plays covers up the lack of measurements. He is a quick defender who has fluid hips, good closing speed, solid instincts and is aggressive when making plays in the open field.

Sainristil’s six interceptions were the second most among college football cornerbacks in 2023.

Sainristil would be the Chargers’ starting slot corner from Day 1.

On Nugent:

Nugent followed up a pair of impressive seasons for Stanford in 2021 and 2022 with another strong year in the middle of Michigan’s championship-winning offensive line. He earned a 78.8 PFF pass-blocking grade and a 76.5 PFF run-blocking grade, and he could develop into a starting center if he lands in the right spot.

A Stanford transfer, Nugent is an experienced player, having logged 39 starts at center. Lauded for being a technician in pass protection and in run blocking, Nugent would be an appealing option for a Chargers team that will be looking for a long-term solution at the position.