Charger Report

Chargers 4-round mock draft: L.A. secures game-wrecking DT, explosive RB

The Chargers fill multiple needs in this 4-round NFL mock draft,
Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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The Los Angeles Chargers went 11-6 in 2024, which was their first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Despite their in-season success, the Chargers were one-and-done in the playoffs, which has led to some changes this offseason.

Los Angeles saw players such as Joey Bosa, Joshua Palmer, and J.K. Dobbins leave while adding Najee Harris, Donte Jackson, and Mekhi Becton. They also brought back Mike Williams to bolster the receiving corps.

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They could fill more needs in free agency but with the calendar turning to April, they'll likely see how the NFL Draft plays out before making any more moves. That said, here's a look at how the Chargers could fare with our latest 4-round mock.


Round 1, Pick 22: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon forces a fumble from Idaho Vandals quarterback Jack Layne.
Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon forces a fumble from Idaho Vandals quarterback Jack Layne. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard/USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Chargers could go several ways with their first-round pick including wide receiver or edge. However, in this mock, they go with the best player on the board at No. 22, which is Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

At 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds, Harmon is a force on the line and can play multiple spots. He’s more than just a big body, recording five sacks for Oregon in 2024 as a disruptive defender.


Round 2, Pick 55: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

Darien Porter stands for a photo during Iowa State Football media day at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.
Darien Porter stands for a photo during Iowa State Football media day at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. | Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Los Angeles addresses their need in the secondary with their second pick, landing Iowa State's Darien Porter. Built like a wideout at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Porter ran an impressive 4.3 during the NFL Combine.

There will be concerns since he spent six years in the NCAA but has just one year of starting experience. Still, his ceiling is high enough to roll the dice.


Round 3, Pick 86: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

CSU football wide receiver Tory Horton enters the stadium at the end of Ram Walk before the game against Colorado.
CSU football wide receiver Tory Horton enters the stadium at the end of Ram Walk before the game against Colorado. | Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tory Horton is coming off knee surgery, which ended his senior season prematurely. He was healthy enough to work out at the Combine, which should help him find an NFL home during the second night of the draft.

The Chargers could use his 4.41 speed on offense but Horton also offers special teams help as a kick returner.


Round 4, Pick 125: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF

UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats.
UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Standing 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds, RJ Harvey is the perfect complement to the bruising Najee Harris. He plays much faster than his 4.4 time suggests and is coming off a senior campaign that saw him average 6.8 yards per rush while scoring 25 total touchdowns.

Harvey is a weapon not only as a runner with 3,789 yards over the past three seasons, but also with 720 through the air. He could be a game-changer as a third-down back who takes advantage of defenses being worn down by the 240-pound Harris.

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Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Randy Gurzi is a graduate of Arizona State and has focused on NFL coverage since 2014.