We’re finally seeing some consensus in Chargers mock drafts.
After a dozen different players were mocked to LA last week, analysts cut that number to 8 this week. Those eight players play five different positions, down from last week’s 7, a subtraction made primarily because of the re-singing of offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III.
Of the 18 mock drafts included this week, 10 of them picked one of two players, signifying that the media world is finally beginning to converge on a select few targets for the Chargers.
Texas RB Bijan Robinson
This one’s pretty straightforward. The Chargers have allowed Austin Ekeler to seek a trade, meaning there’s a decent chance the do-it-all running back will be elsewhere next season. Los Angeles replaces him with the cheaper and younger Bijan Robinson.
Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network
We’re reaching the point of the offseason where I’ve run out of ways to explain to you just how good Bijan Robinson is. But for the Chargers, in particular, his self-sufficiency as a runner is what will carry them. Even when things go wrong, he can create and come out ahead with his blend of vision, creative instincts, balance, and lateral agility.
Los Angeles has given Austin Ekeler permission to seek a trade. It sounds as though the two parties are destined for a divorce, leaving the Chargers without a suitable option at the position.
Oliver Hodgkinson, Pro Football Network
Bijan Robinson is arguably one of the best players in the 2023 NFL Draft. His ability to manipulate space as a pure rusher while possessing the route running and ball skills as a receiving back are almost incomparable.
The value of running backs in the NFL could facilitate a fall beyond his actual talent, and the Los Angeles Chargers snagging him as an Austin Ekeler replacement in the latter picks of the first round would be tantamount to larceny.
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
Ryan Wilson, CBS (projected trade down to 24)
Wide receiver could be an option here, too, but Gerald Everett’s contract is up after the 2024 season and Tre’ McKitty and Donald Parham aren’t the offensive threat that Michael Mayer is. The Notre Dame standout 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 in Kellen Moore’s offense. This assumes, of course, that Moore and tight end Dalton Schultz, who were together in Dallas, don’t reunite in LA. (Jacksonville gets pick No. 21; Los Angeles gets pick No. 24, 127.)
Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network
He’s not the sexiest playmaker in the class, but Michael Mayer is going to play for a decade-plus in the league and would immediately boost the Chargers’ offense in whatever avenue they desire. A man mover in the run game and a sure-handed, intelligent receiver in space, he’s the safest player in the class that would mesh nicely with Justin Herbert.
More help for quarterback Justin Herbert. I debated going with the hulking Darnell Washington as a de facto sixth offensive lineman but instead chose Mayer, the best all-around tight end in the draft. However, all three levels of the Chargers’ defense need help, and this pick could reflect that concern, depending on how L.A. handles free agency.
After restructuring Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa, I think GM Tom Telesco sent a clear message: the Chargers are going all in on 2023. When you think about it, it makes sense: neither Telesco nor Brandon Staley’s jobs are safe heading into the season. If things go well, you can worry about fixing the salary cap and roster construction later. If they go poorly, it’s someone else’s problem!
With the knowledge that 2023 is the focus, I don’t see LA selecting a player that won’t be a consistent contributor from Day 1. That rules out receiver, where a pick would be playing 60-70% of snaps behind Allen and Williams. It rules out pass rusher, where a pick would log maybe 50% of snaps. But it opens a spot at tight end, even if Gerald Everett and Donald Parham both return. Mayer has often been compared to Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz, a staple of Kellen Moore’s offense who has been linked to the Chargers despite LA not having anywhere near the money to pay him in free agency this offseason. Mayer gives them a cheaper option that will affect the bottom line from the get-go.
Utah TE Dalton Kincaid
Kincaid fits the mold of an oversized wide receiver playing tight end, a role the Chargers can utilize to help make life easier for Justin Herbert. The former prep basketball standout continues to get stronger and develop his blocking.
The Chargers got good results from Gerald Everett last year at the tight end position, but they could decide to move on from him and his large cap hit by nabbing the most electric tight end of this years ultra talented group. Kincaid is a fluid and explosive athlete who will make the middle of the field a nightmare to defend against, and will give Justin Herbert a much needed security blanket to throw to in the future.
LSU EDGE BJ Ojulari
The Los Angeles Chargers look to be going all-in on the 2023 season, and if that’s the case, drafting an additional pass rusher is never a bad idea. Even though the Chargers have both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, you can never have enough pass rushers who can impact the game.
Ojulari’s draft stock is interesting, but I still believe he will be a first-round selection. Ultimately, teams will bet on pass rushers with athleticism and pass-rush upside, and that’s what Ojulari offers. With the depth the Chargers have, they can use Ojulari as a pass rusher as he tries to develop his run defense.
Clemson EDGE Myles Murphy
David Helman & Carmen Vitali, Fox Sports
The Chargers restructured Khalil Mack’s deal but he hasn’t panned out the way they’d initially hoped when they took him off Chicago’s hands. Maybe they could get their pass-rush rotation going with an injection of youth. Murphy fits the bill.
Boston College WR Zay Flowers
Joe Broback, Pro Football Network
In no way does Zay Flowers stand out with his frame, but his explosiveness on the field makes up for that. Justin Herbert could use a threat like him, and hopefully, Flowers can stay healthy enough to provide a weapon consistently for the Chargers’ star quarterback.
Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
Not the most sizable need for the Chargers but Witherspoon is too good to pass on here. More talented coverage players in Brandon Staley’s secondary.
Iowa State EDGE Will McDonald IV
The Chargers’ lack of depth at edge rusher was exposed this season when Joey Bosa was out of commission. They need new juice in their defensive line, regardless of whether Bosa and Khalil Mack are healthy.
