The Los Angeles Chargers have a lot of work to do in their mock draft. After digging their way out of salary cap hell, the roster has a plethora of weaknesses, and Jim Harbaugh and company will need to nail their picks if they want to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West crown.
Note that this exercise was performed using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when the Saints were on the clock, they were fair game. Also note that this Chargers mock draft does not include trades.
Seven-Round Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft
First Round (5th Overall) – Malik Nabers, WR
J.J. McCarthy was still on the board when Los Angeles was on the clock, and there is a real chance the team will trade down with a quarterback-needy team in the actual NFL Draft. However, since this mock draft does not include trades, the Chargers stay put and select one of the most talented receiver prospects in recent memory. There is no such thing as a can’t-miss prospect, but Malik Nabers is about as close as you can get. The LSU product can do just about everything at a high level and should immediately step in as the top option in this passing attack.
Malik Nabers NFL Draft Profile
Malik Nabers (WR #LSU) has the most exciting film in the entire 2024 NFL Draft
A “pick your poison” type player
💪🏾 Strong/Competitive
💥 Dynamic/Elusive
💣 Deep-Threat
📋 Production
🧩 Route FlashesBonafide WR1 that you want on your team. I’m ALL INpic.twitter.com/O5ir8rrQ5X
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 21, 2024
Second Round (37th Overall) – Jordan Morgan, OT
With the wide receiver position address, the Chargers can fortify their offensive line with the second pick in the mock draft. Jim Harbaugh wants to build a tough, physical football team, and Morgan is a perfect fit for this philosophy. The Arizona product moves well in space and is better in the run game than the passing game. The biggest red flag here is that he spent his collegiate career on the left side of the line, so he’ll need to learn right tackle on the fly.
Jordan Morgan NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (69th Overall) – Blake Corum – RB
This is probably the most inevitable pick in the Chargers mock draft. Harbaugh wants to run the football, Los Angeles needs a running back, and player and coach have a connection from their time at Michigan. Corum can spend the 2024 season splitting snaps with Gus Edwards before taking over as the primary starter in 2025.
Fourth Round (105th Overall) – DeWayne Carter, DT
The Chargers have three starting-caliber edge defenders in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Tuli Tuipulotu. Where they could use some help, however, is at defensive tackle. DeWayne Carter doesn’t have the anchor to consistently hold up in the run game, but his pure aggression, quick acceleration off the snap, and strong upper body strength allow him to consistently collapse the pocket.
Fourth Round (110th Overall) – Cade Stover, TE
The Chargers effectively need to rebuild their offense from scratch, and they can finally address the tight end position in the fourth round of this mock draft. A tight end in name only, Cade Stover can be a much-needed set of hands who could quickly develop a rapport with Justin Herbert thanks to his developed route tree.
Fifth Round (140th Overall) – Tanor Bortolini, OC
Tanor Bortolini won’t be the next Corey Linsley, but the Wisconsin product can be a valuable backup and spot starter at multiple positions. While he lacks great athleticism, he’s technically sound and shouldn’t take too long to adjust to life in the NFL.
Sixth Round (181st Overall) – Jarvis Brownlee, CB
One of the biggest complaints about Brandon Staley is that he always played soft coverage despite having the personnel to play man. Now that he’s out of the picture, the new coaching staff should be able to develop their scheme to fit their players’ strengths. With this in mind, Jarvis Brownlee is a great pick near the end of the Chargers mock draft. The cornerback is physical at the line of scrimmage, consistently mugging his man and making it difficult to get off the line of scrimmage. While his recovery leaves something to be desired, he can play a role in a man-based defense.
Seventh Round (225th Overall) – Ainias Smith, WR
Every player selected at this point in the Chargers mock draft is far more likely to fail than succeed in the NFL. With that in mind, the team might as well shoot for the moon at important positions. Ainias Smith is one of the smallest receivers in the class but still managed a 92nd-percentile bench press. This disproportionate strength is constantly on display, as the slot receiver is able to get off the line against cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers. While he might just be a gadget guy at the next level, he’s a fun dart throw with decent upside.
Seventh Round (253rd Overall) – Carter Bradley, QB
Carter Bradley is not going to challenge Justin Herbert for the starting job any time soon, but the final pick in the Chargers mock draft could add some competition to the backup quarterback job. Easton Stick wasn’t terrible last year, but there’s plenty of room for improvement.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
