USA Today Mock Draft Has Chargers Selecting Former Jim Harbaugh Defensive Star

The Chargers select this Wolverine with their second pick in the second round accoridng to this mock draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers hold the number five pick in the NFL draft, and all eyes will be on what they do with that pick. There's potential talk about whether they'll trade it or select a top prospect who should produce from the start. While this number five pick is crucial, so are the other eight picks (nine total) they have at the moment. If chosen correctly, all these players could be stars in their roles or beyond.

After the number five pick, the Chargers will make a selection in the second round of the draft, holding the number 37 pick overall. USA Today's Gavino Borquez predicted the Chargers' first three selections and had the Bolts taking Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil with their second-round pick.

"Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a secondary guy, and Sainristil played a vital role for him en route to winning the National Championship. 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." - via Gavino Borquez

Head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jessee Minter are very familiar with Sainristil's game, as the graduate student spent five seasons in Ann Arbor. His best season came in 2023 when he played a pivotal role in their championship season and was named First-Team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten. In his college career, he tallied 108 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, seven interceptions, two touchdowns, 13 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Sainristil has exceptional ball skills, which showcase his wide receiver background.

On top of that, he also exhibits outstanding blitzing ability, especially off the edges, and has the footwork necessary to maintain coverage in man situations. He is very familiar with Minter's defense, and this pick makes too much sense if the Bolts decide to go this route. The Bolts could use all the help they could get in the secondary, and Sainristil would fit in perfectly.

Draft boards have Sainristil selected in the third round of the draft.