The first wave of free agency is over, and while there are a few big-name free agents remaining on the market, it’s safe to say that Chargers fans can now turn their attention to mock draft season. With Kellen Moore in town as the offensive coordinator, Los Angeles is likely to load up on weapons to try and create an offense that can go blow for blow with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Note that this exercise was performed using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when the Chargers were on the clock, they were fair game.
Seven-Round Chargers Mock Draft: Weapons For Justin Herbert
21st Overall: Jordan Addison, WR
The Chargers kick off their mock draft by selecting arguably the best all-around receiver in the draft. Jordan Addison is a perfect fit for the Chargers, as his well-rounded skill set should allow him to contribute right out of the gate. Additionally, he could also be an ideal replacement for Keenan Allen when age inevitably catches up to the receiver.
Jordan Addison is a slippery, elusive runner who maintains balance after initial contact and displays a good burst of speed and acceleration to rack up yards in space. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/bVnbjbYbBf
— WBG84 (@WBG84) March 26, 2023
54th Overall: Luke Musgrave, TE
Los Angeles desperately needs another tight end, so it’s a good thing that the 2023 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent at the position. Luke Musgrave missed the vast majority of the 2022 season with an injury, but recent reports indicate that the tight end is back to full strength. Assuming that’s true, the tight end is a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s arguably the best receiving tight end in this class and his elite vertical speed should pair perfectly with Justin Herbert’s deep ball.
85th Overall: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE
The Chargers could use another player capable of getting after the quarterback, and Tuli Tuipulotu finished the 2022 season with 13.5 sacks. The edge defender can line up all across the defensive front and should be able to step in and start right away. If he can add some muscle and work through some technical issues, he has a chance to be a steal in the third round.
125th Overall: Ji’Ayir Brown, S
The Chargers need more versatility in their secondary, which makes Ji’Ayir Brown an ideal choice in the fourth round. The safety has the ability to play in the box, cover tight ends, and drop back deep. While his lack of speed will likely keep him from being a Day 2 pick, his above-average instincts should allow him to remain effective as a depth option.
156th Overall: Olusegun Oluwatimi, OC
At this point in the mock draft, the Chargers shouldn’t worry about team needs and should instead focus on drafting the best player available. Olusegun Oluwatimi isn’t ready to start, but he has starting potential if he gets the right coaching. He has the size and strength to start, but he struggles in space and needs to get better at recognizing blitzers. In theory, these issues are fixable with the right coaching, so perhaps Oluwatimi can be a diamond in the rough and emerge in a year or two.
200th Overall: Hunter Luepke, RB
The Chargers have a great running back in Austin Ekeler, but they could be in trouble if he ends up getting that trade. Hunter Luepke cannot singlehandedly replace Ekeler, but he can help minimize his potential loss. The 6′-1″, 230-pound running back is great is short-yardage situations and could immediately step in as a goal-line back. Additionally, he has better hands than you expect and could play on third down if required. Combine this with some special teams upside and there is a lot to like about Luepke in the seventh round.
239th Overall: Anfernee Orji, LB
Anfernee Orji plays every snap of football like its his last, and that’s enough to justify the final pick in this Chargers mock draft. The linebacker doesn’t have the speed to ever develop into a starter, but he could be a fine depth piece, and his ferocious style of play should translate well to special teams.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
