ESPN’s Matt Miller released his latest two-round mock draft on Monday.
With their first-round selection, Miller pegged former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers to Los Angeles.
The explosive Nabers shouldn’t be considered a mere consolation prize for whatever team misses out on Harrison. In fact, three NFL scouts I spoke to at the Senior Bowl told me they actually have Nabers ranked ahead of Harrison on their initial draft boards. Nabers’ speed, ability to make defenders miss and consistent hands throughout contact and traffic are why some teams are falling in love with his game. He would be a great fit with Justin Herbert — especially with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams exiting their peak years and struggling to stay healthy. Nabers is coming off an 89-catch, 1,569-yard, 14-TD season.
Nabers, the 6-foot and 200-pound wideout, is a dynamic playmaker whose release, play speed and run-after-catch ability make him a home-run threat each time he touches the ball.
Nabers is coming off his most productive season, as he finished with 89 receptions for 1,569 yards (17.6 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns. 17 of those catches went over 30 yards.
Even though the Chargers drafted Quentin Johnston this past year, they still lack an explosive element in the offense. Furthermore, Mike Williams could be a cap casualty, and Keenan Allen is not getting any younger.
Insert Nabers into the offense and he and Justin Herbert would do wonders together.
With their second-round selection, Miller gave the Chargers former Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
The middle of the field has long been an issue for the Chargers’ defense, and linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. hits free agency this offseason. Cooper, a top-25 player on my board who is here only because of positional value, could upgrade the defense with his three-down ability. He posted 14 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three pass breakups in 2023.
It’s not being talked about as much as other positions, but linebacker is a big need for the Chargers. Kenneth Murray is set to hit the free agency market and Eric Kendricks could be released to clear up some salary cap space.
Cooper is a speedy, rangy, explosive linebacker whose coverage skills and ability to defend the run and blitz are high-quality NFL traits.
