In a fresh mock draft, Cynthia Frelund of NFL Network projects that your Los Angeles Chargers will select redshirt Alabama Crimson cornerback Terrion Arnold with their No. 5 pick in this spring's NFL draft.
"Every year I get some data that looks like the prototype of the model (I measure players against prototypes of 'ideals')," Frelund writes. "The prototype here shows signs of an elite trajectory based on ball skills and burst/speed (Arnold got better as the season went on). All of that is mixed with a dash of potentially getting caught being too aggressive. Why am I mentioning this in the Chargers section? Well, you have to be able to stop the pass, especially when you face Patrick Mahomes twice a year."
The six-foot, 196-pound 20-year-old was named a First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honoree for his efforts in his second official collegiate season.
During his final NCAA season in 2023, Arnold notched 63 total tackles (40 solo, 23 assisted), one sack, one forced fumble, five interceptions, and 12 pass deflections.
It will be fascinating to see what new Bolts general manager Joe Hortiz elects to prioritize in his first season in the head job, following a 25-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens. Los Angeles needs plenty of help on both sides of the ball.