Chargers Draft: This Alabama DB Could Be Dark Horse 1st-Round Pick for LA

The consensus around the community of the Los Angeles Chargers is that their front office will make the big play for another offensive addition in the first round of the 2023 draft and continue strengthening themselves on that end before the new season.

It's the predictable move for them but trust me, GM Tom Telesco is always looking at every possible backup plan and if he isn't sold on a Bijan Robinson or a Zay Flowers when their pick rolls around, he may just stick to his gut instinct and call for a defensive pickup instead. He has made it very clear that the franchise believes they'll stumble across gems in later rounds where an RB or WR can be chosen there.

If that is the case, we have to take a look at some of the top-heavy defensive line prospects available in the draft. The Athletic's Daniel Popper has a feeling LA could shock everyone and take a talented DB from Alabama.

brian branch off the edge in blitz looks >

1st team all fitting shit. branch & witherspoon have no peers in the tackling category (for DB’s) in the 23’ class. pic.twitter.com/UfisyV1Nye
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) April 20, 2023

"Alabama defensive back Brian Branch. He is the ideal Staley DB because of his versatility and instincts. He also comes from a scheme under Nick Saban that Staley respects. The Chargers could use some more depth in the slot, and that is primarily where Branch played at Alabama, though he could potentially play anywhere in the secondary."

(Via Chargers.com)

The thing with this selection is that it very well could end up being the smart one, just not the most attractive one to most fans. If the Chargers are able to work something out with Austin Ekeler, they have their best RB still in place and the duo of Keenan Allen/Mike Williams are still productive WR's.

Branch solidified himself as one of the best players at his position in his final season at Alabama. His 90 total tackles in 2022 speaks for itself.