Mock draft season is in full swing as we get closer to the NFL Draft. Last Word on Sports’ own Mike Kashuba has released a three-round mock draft, and in it, the Los Angeles Chargers have used their first three picks to bolster the offense with more weapons for Justin Herbert, taking the aggressive approach. Let’s take a look at the selections for the Chargers in this mock draft.
Los Angeles Chargers Select Jordan Addison, Two Others in Mock Draft
First Round: Jordan Addison, WR
With this selection, the Chargers would be addressing the need for a wideout that can take the top off of the defense with break-away speed and separation – something that no one on the offense had both of in 2022. Jalen Guyton was expected to be the guy in that role, but he tore his ACL very early in the season. He is currently a free agent, but the Chargers do not appear poised to bring him back (possibly due to concerns that he may not have fully recovered yet).
In terms of being that downfield speedy receiver, Addison profiles to be able to fill that role nicely. There is a slight question of whether he could be more than that – he is a little undersized and may not have the physicality for one-on-one battles with many NFL defensive backs. Still, some other receivers with similar builds (DeVonta Smith) have panned out well, so Addison may be able to do the same if his route-running and separation are good enough.
While he wouldn’t be expected to be a WR1 or WR2 in his rookie year – not with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams there – one of those two will likely be gone in 2024 or 2025 due to their combined cap. Thus, Addison (or any other rookie receiver that the Chargers might draft in the first or second round) would be getting drafted with the expectation of taking on a bigger role later. But for now, if this scenario comes true, expect Addison to be in a WR3 role.
Second Round: Luke Musgrave, TE
While Gerald Everett was mostly an upgrade over Jared Cook, he does not appear to be the long-term solution, so the Chargers drafting another tight end is quite plausible. Musgrave appears to be a well-rounded prospect with blocking and receiving ability.
He does lack the statistical production of some of the other high-ranked tight ends in the Draft, though. He had 304 yards in 2021 and was off to a solid start in 2022 with 11 catches for 169 yards but then got injured and missed the rest of the season. In this respect, he does come with a little bit of risk, but on paper, he is a solid prospect. If this scenario comes true, he would likely be TE2 behind Everett – unless Everett becomes a cap casualty as a result of a new tight end getting drafted. In the event of both being around, we could see more 2-TE formations in 2023 from the Chargers.
Third Round: Kendre Miller, RB
Austin Ekeler requesting a trade created an unexpected need at halfback for the Chargers. Ekeler is still expected to play if he is unable to get traded, but the Chargers do need to plan for the future now – hence why a halfback is likely to get selected at some point.
Miller is in the nice position of being young at only 20 and is coming off a year with over 1,500 yards from scrimmage with TCU. However, he does lack the acceleration and speed to be much of a home-run threat, which does limit his upside a little. Miller would have to rely on his vision and strength to become a consistent threat at running back – which he does profile to have both of. At worst, he looks to be a better change-of-pace option than Joshua Kelley.
Offense Prioritized Over Defense?
The notable thing from this mock is that all three of the Chargers’ first selections are offense and no defensive selections. This scenario happening would point to the fact that the Chargers are trying to get a more dynamic offense in 2023 after an underwhelming 2022 (which was generally more of an offensive coordinator issue than a personnel one).
It would also suggest that the staff has faith in the defense to do their job with the personnel they have. And in fairness, they did hold their own against non-elite threats for the most part in 2022, but there is room for improvement there as well. Nevertheless, it’s hard to argue against the idea that issues like a lack of breakaway speed at wideout and a future without Ekeler are more urgent to address. And while tight end may not be as immediately urgent, it’s hard to argue with taking advantage of a strong draft class like this. Ultimately, the direction the Chargers go early in the Draft will signal whether their priority for improvement is offense or defense.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
