Chargers Mock Draft: What’s next for LA after firing Brandon Staley?
By Hunter Haas
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2023 campaign with high hopes. Fresh off a postseason berth and sporting a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, the fan base had AFC West-winning aspirations. Alas, things didn’t go to plan, and now, Brandon Staley is no longer roaming the sidelines.
In today’s mock draft, the Chargers must pivot quickly to avoid wasting the prime years of Herbert’s career. Sure, part of the blame can go on his shoulders. The gifted passer has dealt with a litany of injuries which have hampered his effectiveness at times. But by and large, the issues in LA are elsewhere on the roster.
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The defense is abysmal. Joey Bosa and Derwin James read as flashy names, but both guys have been forced out of multiple games nearly every year in the league. Even when healthy, the Bosa-James duo isn’t enough to propel the unit to respectable play.
On offense, the team got decimated by injuries yet again. In what feels like a cruel joke, the Chargers seemingly always have the worst luck in this area. Austin Ekeler hasn’t been 100 percent all year, plus star wideout Mike Williams was lost for the season only a few weeks in.
It doesn’t help that first-rounder Quentin Johnston is suffering from major growing pains in Year 1. The TCU alum struggles to get separation, and when he does shake free, it’s anyone’s best guess if he will catch the ball or not.
The biggest blow came when Herbert fractured a finger on his throwing hand in Week 14, ending his season with a disappointing 5-8 record. Now, with the organization cleaning house at head coach and general manager, what is next for the Chargers?
In NFLMocks’ latest mock draft, LA secures more talent on offense and completely overhauls the defense thanks to a small trade down the board. Currently sitting at No. 5 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers have several paths they can take to get the most out of Herbert. Without further ado… there’s a trade!