2023 Chargers Draft Preview: Linebackers

If the Bolts had lost Tranquill in free agency and not made another move, there would be a big hole for a starting spot at linebacker.

But with Kendricks in the fold, the Chargers are set at the top. Trapasso believes linebacker could be in play in the middle rounds if the Bolts want to add more depth and look for a longer-term player at that position.

“It’s not a gigantic need anymore,” Trapasso said. “If later in the draft, I don’t necessarily think fifth or sixth round here, but third or fourth round if they like someone with a little more upside that might not be a finished product at the linebacker position, I can certainly see the Chargers taking more of the long view with that spot.

“I still think it’ll be on the radar relatively early for the Chargers,” Trapasso added.

1. Who is your No. 1 prospect at linebacker?

“It’s Jack Campbell from Iowa. I didn’t expect him to test as well as he did at the combine. He ran 4.65 in the 40, but the three-cone, the short shuttle, the broad jump, vertical, all very good. He’s just awesome in coverage. His instincts, he plays zone really well, he can play with tight ends in man because he’s 6-foot-5 and 240-plus pounds. I know what I’m getting even with a rookie in Jack Campbell that he’s not going to be a liability in coverage. I think that’s actually a strength in his game. Very high floor and because of his athleticism, I think there’s high upside with him as well.”

2. Who’s a mid-round prospect the Bolts could target?

“There’s two players I’ll highlight. Dorian Williams from Tulane, not super tall but tested very well at 220-plus pounds. Very athletic and is a good coverage player, made a lot of plays on the football. He kind of feels like that third to fourth round range linebacker that we’ll look back upon in a couple years and say ‘How did this guy get picked that far down the draft’ because he just does a lot of things well on all three downs.

“One other player … he’s older…