Alex Insdorf’s favorite prospects for LA Chargers

I’m cheating slightly by picking another first-round lock player, but Terrion Arnold stands out to me as a potential Chargers fit when considering the trade-back scenario. The Chargers need a stud cornerback to lead the defensive revitalization, and he’d be a step in the right direction as a true blue-chip prospect.

In my view, this draft doesn’t necessarily have a Sauce Gardner/Patrick Surtain II-level prospect at corner, where teams would be set with an All-Pro lynchpin for a decade. But Arnold is the closest thing to that. He has the versatility to take on all coverages, play inside or outside, and is a more than willing run defender.

With Kool-Aid McKinstry operating opposite Arnold, opposing quarterbacks took their chances at targeting 79 times. On those reps, Arnold allowed a 50.7 passer rating while having 13 pass breakups and five interceptions in 2023.

The development of coverage traits and instincts really showed from his 2022 season to 2023 jump. Arnold is also still one of the younger corners in the class as he just turned 21 in March. In Jesse Minter’s defense under the mentorship of Steve Clinkscale, I could see Arnold getting to an even higher level.