With the Combine coming to a close over the weekend, this week’s edition of Mock Draft Monday mixes both pre-combine mock drafts and reactionary drafts written after players tested in Indianapolis.
With 15 mock drafts on tap this week, analysts have chosen nine different players for the Chargers at 21, indicating that there continues to be a lack of consensus about what L.A. is planning in the first round.
Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt
Justin Herbert already has a pair of big, physical pass-catchers, but he needs more explosiveness and big-play ability outside of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Hyatt is lightning bolt of a playmaker who would be the perfect fit, after proving to be a highlight-reel machine for the Vols.
Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network
The Chargers need speed, you say? Well, let’s give them Tennessee’s resident speed demon Jalin Hyatt. Being as dependent on speed as he is, Hyatt’s 40-yard dash time will be more important than most. The tape, however, confirms the field-stretching impact he can have on any given down.
New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will allow Justin Herbert to push the ball downfield more frequently than the talented QB did with Joe Lombardi. So it’s time to get Herbert a serious vertical weapon. That’s precisely what Hyatt is.
TCU WR Quentin Johnston
Dalton Miller, Pro Football Network
The Horned Frogs’ long-striding receiver is finally off the board. While he may not be the true No. 1 receiver many would want from a first-round pick right away, he fits a desperate need in the Chargers’ offense.
Speed.
They’ve needed a legitimate speed threat ever since Justin Herbert joined the team, and that is exactly what Quentin Johnston brings from the start. He has a long way to go as a route runner, but his mere presence on the field will open up the middle of the field for Herbert.
The first wide receiver of the draft goes to the Chargers with the 21st-overall pick. Compared to recent draft classes, Quentin Johnston isn’t the clear-cut WR1 like in other years, but he’s still a solid prospect. His 6’4? frame and near-freak athleticism will allow him to contribute immediately to any NFL offense.
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic
Johnston likely will have some crazy jump numbers at the combine (he reportedly has a 42-inch vertical). If he runs in the 4.4s on top of that, he could climb to the top of teams’ receiver boards. A few might already have him there.
Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The wheels fall off whenever Keenan Allen and/or Mike Williams miss time, which only further highlights the need to deepen the wide receiver room. That’s especially true when you consider that Allen will be 31 by the start of next season and L.A. could clear $14.8 million by releasing him. Smith-Njigba could slot in as either a solid complement or ideal replacement for Allen as a high-volume option for Justin Herbert.
The Chargers need a wide receiver who thrives at winning with route running and can create separation with quickness and savvy in quick order. Smith-Njigba can do that and thrives after the catch, something that the Chargers also need in droves.
Texas RB Bijan Robinson
Lots of directions the Chargers could go — including trading down — but one is finding someone to shoulder the ball-carrying load with Austin Ekeler.
The Bolts could look to become tougher on offense by snagging a rugged runner with big-play ability. Pairing Robinson with scoring machine Austin Ekeler gives Los Angeles a dynamic and versatile 1-2 punch in the backfield.
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer told us at the combine that he loves the way Travis Kelce plays the position, and while he may not be quite that athletic, Mayer is already a better blocker. He’s also a legit downfield threat who it’s easy to imagine quickly becoming one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets.
Boston College WR Zay Flowers
James Fragoza, Pro Football Network
Even if the Chargers retain Keenan Allen, they are in desperate need of some juice in their receiving corps. Zay Flowers can provide just that, both vertically and horizontally. Possessing “now you see me, now you don’t” athletic ability, Flowers is a mismatch nightmare in space.
USC WR Jordan Addison
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today
The Bolts’ lumbering receiving corps is anything but electric and overdue for a jolt of speed. While not a pure burner, Addison still creates separation with ease thanks to his savvy as a route runner and his impressive acceleration.
Ohio State OT Dawand Jones
Dawand Jones is a mammoth of a human being. His sheer size represents a problem for edge defenders. Los Angeles has invested heavily in the offensive line in recent years with Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson and now Jones. It is a small price to pay for Justin Herbert to remain upright and capable of doing what he does best.
Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison
Patrick Conn, College Sports Wire
The Chargers need to address the number of sacks given up on their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Adding Harrison should help alleviate some of those issues moving forward.
