Denzel Boston option for Chargers in draft
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Denzel Boston option for Chargers in draft
The Los Angeles Chargers for the most part went into the offseason with a clear mindset of addressing the offensive line and potentially getting more explosive offensively. However, one intriguing area they haven’t addressed quite yet is that of the wide receiver situation. Keenan Allen is still a free agent and they haven’t yet picked up Quentin Johnston’s fifth year option. If those situations don’t get settled, they could be making a surprise pick early on in the draft.
One would think that the additions of Tyler Biadasz, Keaton Mitchell, and Charlie Kolar would have satisfied the Chargers’ offensive needs, but a lack of movement on the wide receiver front could lead to yet another surprising first rounder for the team. Last year, the Chargers ended up selecting Omarion Hampton 22nd overall, who could end up panning out after an injury-riddled rookie season.
A Draft Curveball: Wide Receiver Suddenly in Play
Still, it isn’t out of the question that not only will the Chargers potentially need to draft a wide receiver, they could be forced to. Many pundits have said that the pick for the Chargers in the first round would be Penn State O-lineman Vega Ioane. However, with other teams now in need of O-line talent ahead of the Chargers, their choices may start to get limited.
If that scenario plays out, the Chargers could end up looking at a player like Denzel Boston out of Washington. With his elite ball skills and physicality in the air, he could turn out to be an elite receiver on the boundary to pair with the highly effective Ladd McConkey in the slot.
While not an offensive lineman or even an edge rusher, drafting Boston could elevate the Chargers’ receiving corps form somewhat middle of the pack to one of the NFL’s truly elite, especially of one of Johnston or Allen stays. Whether or not it could cost them down the line will have to be seen.
Balancing Needs vs. Value on Draft Night
For the Chargers, the draft is an opportunity to potentially improve in smaller, less significant areas while still trying to be active in free agency. Perhaps the new answer for their guard problems lies in someone like Joel Bitonio. Or Wyatt Teller. For now though, we’re left to wonder if the 22nd overal pick will actually have value for this Chargers squad.
For many, guard could still be on the table in the draft, it just won’t be Vega Ioane. A late round pick up in the likes of Sam Hecht out of Kansas could be plausible. It will just all depend on ho the board shakes out above them.
Boston may not be the sexiest option despite his elite skill set at a premium position. However, it may be the path the Chargers decide to take in order to solve the problems they may face early on in the draft. When the NFL zigs, the Chargers may have to zag. Who knows? They may get the next Omarion Hampton out of it.