Depending on what happens with the first four picks, the Chargers could trade back in the NFL Draft, and this latest mock reflects that. At the end of the day, Los Angeles has multiple needs and could capitalize on a team desperate for a franchise quarterback. Another team makes a Godfather offer in this mock draft, and Los Angeles uses the picks to rebuild their entire offense.
Note that this Chargers mock draft was performed using the Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator. If the player was on the board when Los Angeles was on the clock, they were fair game.
Chargers Rebuild Offense In Trade-Heavy Mock Draft
First Round (5th Overall) – TRADE
Terms: Chargers Sent 1.05, 4.105 to Minnesota Vikings for 1.11, 1.23, 2025 first-round pick
It’s going to be hard to pass on Malik Nabers, but it’s impossible to say no to three first-round picks. The Trey Lance trade established this as the market value for a top quarterback prospect, and the Minnesota Vikings have the resources to pay for it. With multiple needs on the roster, the Chargers are smart to aim for multiple great players in this mock draft, instead of one excellent one.
First Round (11th Overall) – Taliese Fuaga, OT
Jim Harbaugh wants to build a physical, hard-nosed football team, which begins with securing the offensive tackle position. While Rashawn Slater on the left side, Los Angeles lands someone capable of clearing rushing lanes right from Day 1 while providing adequate protection for Justin Herbert. While the team still needs reliable receivers, Fuaga is a good first selection in the Chargers mock draft.
Taliese Fuaga NFL Draft Profile
First Round (19th Overall) – TRADE – Brian Thomas, WR
Chargers send 1.23, 4.105 to Los Angeles Rams for 1.19
The Chargers jump over the receiver-needy Pittsburgh Steelers in this mock draft to select one of the most dangerous playmakers in the class. Paired with Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels, Brian Thomas played a crucial role in one of the most dangerous offenses in college. Blessed with elite deep speed and the fundamental traits required to create separation, he should be a perfect match with Herbert’s cannon of an arm.
Brian Thomas NFL Draft Profile
Second Round (37th Overall) – Jer’Zhan Newton, DT
This is the biggest steal in the Chargers mock draft. Los Angeles has struggled to find a reliable interior starter for years now, and they get one of the best in Jer’Zhan Newton. While some worry about his size, his on-field play mitigates any concerns about his relatively small build. He’ll be a Day 1 starter on what should be a ferocious defensive line, assuming Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa stay healthy.
Jer’Zhan Newton NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (69th Overall) – Edgerrin Cooper, LB
The Chargers continue building the defense with their fourth pick in this mock draft. Jim Harbaugh loves aggressive linebackers who punish opposing running backs, and that’s Cooper’s entire style of play. While he guesses incorrectly more than you’d like, he rarely misses tackles and has the speed and range to play coverage and track down plays from sideline to sideline.
Edgerrin Cooper NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (140th Overall) – Braelon Allen, HB
Gus Edwards is a fine short-term answer for the Chargers, but they land a potential running back of the future in the fourth round of this mock draft. Braelon Allen is a big, physical bruiser with a play style that makes you think he came straight out of 1984. While his vision could use some work, his style of play is a perfect match for the offense Jim Harbaugh is trying to build.
Braelon Allen NFL Draft Profile
Sixth Round (181st Overall) – A.J. Barner, TE
You cannot make a Chargers mock draft without getting at least one Michigan product. While Blake Corum is the usual fit, A.J. Barner makes too much sense in the sixth round. While he won’t do much as a receiver, the tight end is one of the best blockers in his class, and Harbaugh is obviously familiar with his game.
Seventh Round (225th Overall) – Dylan McMahon, C
Bradley Bozeman will be the Chargers short-term answer at center, but he’s not good enough to be anything more than a bridge option. Dylan McMahon is a below-average athlete by NFL standards, but you don’t need to be an elite athlete to make it as a center. While he lacks a high ceiling, his sound fundamentals give him a reliable floor.
Seventh Round (253rd Overall) – Carter Bradley, QB
The Chargers wrap up this mock draft with quarterback Carter Bradley. Chances are, the South Alabama product won’t be the next Brock Purdy, but he can compete for a backup job. If nothing else, he will help keep Herbert and Stick fresh for the regular season.
Main Photo: Petre Thomas – USA Today Sports
