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.
A New Era Begins For The Chargers In Latest 7-Round Mock Draft
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!
Chargers Mock Draft Begins With Savvy Trade Down
Falcons Receive:
•No. 8 Overall (2024)
Chargers Receive:
•No. 11 Overall (2024)
•No. 46 Overall (2024)
Round 1, No. 11 — Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Khalil Mack isn’t getting any younger, and Joey Bosa isn’t getting any more durable. Dallas Turner can ease his way in as a rookie before taking the reins from Mack in Year 2. The Alabama star is an otherworldly athlete and has an impressive array of pass-rushing moves at his disposal.
Round 2, No. 37 — Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Chargers need cornerback help like fish need water. Quinyon Mitchell, a lanky defender from Toledo, is a perfect fit opposite Asante Samuel Jr. Mitchell boasts elite coverage grades from PFF, and his six interceptions the past two seasons highlight his immense ball skills.
Tyler Guyton Brings Starting-Caliber Traits To The Bolts
Round 2, No. 46 (via ATL) — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Rashawn Slater is a franchise left tackle, but LA could stand to improve on the other end of the line. Enter Tyler Guyton. After starting two seasons for the Sooners at right tackle, the 6-foot-7 prospect profiles as a plug-and-play starter at the next level.
Round 3, No. 69 — Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
One of “my guys” from the 2024 NFL Draft is Malachi Corley. Flexing a similar build and skillset as Deebo Samuel, the Chargers can add the YAC specialist to an offense already featuring Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and hopefully a resurgent Quentin Johnston.
The Mock Draft Continues With A Fast-Rising Prospect From Tallahassee
Round 4, No. 105 — Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State
The trenches need some reinforcements on defense, and Braden Fiske is exactly what the doctor ordered. Since the 2023 campaign began, few in the country have raised their stock like Fiske. Watch for the Seminole star at the Senior Bowl — a strong week could catapult him into Day 2.
Round 5, No. 139 — MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC
Austin Ekeler’s time with the franchise is coming to an end, but it’s not all bad news. Ekeler, as effective as he is in the passing game, has never established himself as an elite runner. MarShawn Lloyd possesses top-tier footwork, nice vision, adequate speed, and the lower-body strength of an ox.
Round 6, No. 181 — Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
In a tight end class getting billed as “Brock Bowers and everyone else”, Ben Sinnott can be the diamond in the rough. The Kansas State alum is deadly from the slot as a pass catcher and regularly lines up as an inline blocker, highlighting his versatility for the Chargers.
Round 7, No. 223 — LaMiles Brooks, SAF, Georgia Tech
LaMiles Brooks is the classic lottery ticket mock draft pick on Day 3. From a talent aspect, Brooks is as gifted as anyone in the class. However, he lacks polish in coverage and is susceptible to bad angles as a tackler. Perhaps NFL coaching is the last step needed for Brooks to realize his lofty potential.
Double-Dipping On Oklahoma Sooner Linemen To Cap 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 7, No. 254 — Andrew Raym, IOL, Oklahoma
Corey Linsley is a former All-Pro, and he’s been as advertised with the Chargers. But at 32 years old and already out for the season with an injury, it’s time for LA to start thinking about an insurance piece behind him. Andrew Raym, a teammate of Tyler Guyton, isn’t an immediate starter on Sundays, but he can provide injury protection upon arrival.
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