With the draft quickly approaching, I thought it would be a good time to look at some day 2 gems for the Chargers and Rams that would shine in the City of Angels. While we all hope first-rounders will end up stars, these Round 2 and 3 players could see their name in lights if they land in Hollywood this weekend.
#1. Cam Skattebo, RB Arizona State
I will fully cop the Skattebo being “one of my guys.” He’s forgotten in a class that includes Ashton Jeanty because he’s a smaller, less athletic Jeanty. But he’s tough as nails, fights through contact and breaks tackles, and can be a receiver out of the backfield. His toughness and physicality would fit well with the Chargers, and he’d be a great chess piece for Sean McVay and the Rams. He’s visited LA before as a Sun Devil, and I would love to see him starting his NFL career out on the West Coast.
#2. Nick Emmanwori, S South Carolina
Emmanwori tested off the charts at the combine, but the production isn’t always on tape. If he falls out of the first round, I think he would fit excellently on either of the LA teams. The Chargers’ secondary was incredible last year due to young athletic talent, and I think Jesse Minter could shape Emmanwori into a real star. And the Rams could certainly use secondary help if they view Emmanwori’s potential as highly as I do. If he falls deep in the second round, I’d love to have his services here in Los Angeles.
#3. Aiereontae Ersery, T Minnesota
I watched Minnesota beat my USC Trojans, and Ersery is a mauler who anchored their offensive line. He’s huge and strong, can block outside zone, and takes on defenders one-on-one. He might be even more consistent in the Rams’ power-heavy scheme. Though the Chargers are set at tackle, they could shift him into guard a la Mekhi Becton, and he’d probably be successful. I’m sure the weather here would suit him much better than Minnesota, and Jim Harbaugh or Sean McVay would be happy to have his services.
#4. Oluwafemi Oladejo, LB/EDGE UCLA
Femi Oladejo is already comfortable in LA and wearing blue and yellow, and I would cheer for him if he joins the Rams or Chargers, even if he is a Bruin. He’s an off-ball linebacker who moved to edge, and that flexibility could be good. For the Chargers, they could play him off-ball at first and develop him into more of an edge rusher, or they could have him learn behind Mack and Bosa. The Rams could use LB help or run a mean NASCAR package with him and Jared Verse. He wouldn’t have to travel far to join the Rams or Chargers this weekend, and I’d be thrilled to see him here.
#5 Elijah Arroyo, TE Miami
I have mocked Colston Loveland to both the Rams and Chargers in the first round, but if Loveland goes top 15, I think Arroyo could be an excellent backup option. He’s an injury question mark as he recovers from two years off (knee). But if the medicals check out and he can recover bigger and stronger, he’ll be a strong blocker for a run-heavy LA team. He can also be a sure-handed third-down option for either Stafford or Herbert. It’s no secret that the tight end class is two deep, but I wouldn’t hate Arroyo as a speculative pick later in the draft, potentially even day 3.
