Los Angeles Chargers 2023 NFL Mock Draft: An Elite RB Tandem
The Los Angeles Chargers put together an elite running back tandem, add to the secondary, and find a TE late in this seven round 2023 mock draft.
The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a crucial part of their journey with current head coach Brandon Staley. After crossing the postseason threshold, it looked like the Chargers woes were a thing of the past. Then, the Chargers blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars, and, once again, the seat looked very warm for Staley.
Staley will be back for another season, but the Chargers did fire offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. That move was important, as a stale offense that kept the creative doors shut for a phenomenal quarterback couldn’t go on. Finding that next guy to give Justin Herbert more input, scheme creativity, and utilization of his full toolbox is everything for this franchise to take the next step.
Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft: A New RB Duo
As for the offseason, the Chargers need to look at a few important positions to make themselves a serious AFC contender. The defense needs some fine-tuning, and the offense needs a playmaker or two to open things up. In this Los Angeles Chargers mock draft, we do just that.
Round 1, 21st Overall: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
The sentiment around selecting Bijan Robinson is often negative. It’s understandable that fans are privy to the idea of positional value, and always want to stick by that philosophy. However, with the top five corners off the board here, that idea is scrapped for another familiar one: best player available.
The Chargers aren’t necessarily bad running the football at the moment (14th in rush EPA, 20 in success rate), and their struggles running the ball in the second half against the Jaguars stemmed from having their third left tackle. But, becoming more balanced and more successful on early downs with also open up the playbook more in 2023.
Bijan Robinson is well worth it in the 20s. Austin Ekeler is a free agent after 2023, and the Robinson-Ekeler duo would be a nightmare for opposing defenses next fall. Robinson is a master at forcing missed tackles, whether it be with excellent balance, creative footwork, or ridiculous hip sink to change direction. He has fleet feet and can reset his feet to hit the hole between the tackles without wasting time. Robinson is also great catching the football, and having two backs with receiving prowess would also help out Herbert.