Charger Report 3-Round Mock Draft 1.0
The 2024 NFL Draft is nearly upon us, and the beginning of free agency will certainly inform many of the decisions the Los Angeles Chargers will make with their eight picks.
The issue is the team is dealing with a less-than-stellar cap situation, but many players can be restructured or cut to alleviate this cap concerns. The team already cut LB Eric Kendricks, which will save $6.5 million.
Despite the cap issues that the Chargers face, which most teams face in the offseason, they can strengthen the team with the draft. That said, here is a look at a 3-round mock draft.
1. Round 1, Pick #5: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The Chargers need some pass-catching help, and there is a good chance that Keenan Allen could be a cap-hit casualty. Allen is also getting up there in age, and he will be 32 this year.
He still managed to log 1,243 yards, even while sustaining an injury, but the Chargers will likely look to bolster their WR room with young and dynamic talent.
The Chargers might also think about trading down, but should they stay put, they will select the best available player.
That player is LSU's Malik Nabers. At 6'0" and 200 lbs, Nabers may be on the smaller side in terms of height, but he has the speed to run downfield to catch the deep balls the Justin Hebert launches.
Nabers had 34 catches of 20+ yards and averaged 17.6 yards per catch. The Chargers need a WR that can alter the offense tremendously and Nabers is that.
Unfortunately, Mike Williams is likely to be cut to alleviate more cap space. Allen, as stated, may walk in free agency, and the word is still out on Quentin Johnston.
The good news is if Johnston can shake off his rookie woes, and Nabers is brought in—they could pair for a dynamic duo that turns this offense into something to behold.
2. Round 2, Pick 37: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
There is a strong chance the best available center in the NFL Draft goes in the first round, which is Duke's Graham Barton. With the deeper needs of each team picking in the latter half of the first round, and into the beginning of the second, I believe Jackson Powers-Johnson falls to the Chargers at pick #37.
Starting center Corey Linsley is set to retire, leaving the team without a viable option at that position.
Powers-Johnson stands at 6'3" and 320 lbs. He has a ton of upper body strength, securing 30 reps at the NFL Combine. He may not be the tallest of the centers, but his upper body strength allows him to move defenders well.
Powers-Johnson will need to work on pad work in terms of sustaining blocks, but he can clean that up in training camp. He excelled with the Oregon Ducks, starting in 13 games in 2023, allowing minimal pressure.
Protecting Herbert is the biggest concern for the offense and Powers-Johnson adds a dynamic talent to the OL.
3. Round 3, Pick #69: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
The Chargers need a lot of help in the secondary. Mike Davis has not panned out and is likely to walk in free agency. Asante Samuel Jr. needs help, and that help could come in the form of Kamari Lassiter.
Lassiter comes in at 5'11 1/2" and 186 lbs. While he is on the lighter and smaller side in terms of available CBs, he can pack on some lbs in the offseason. His skill set is quickness, which allows him to close ground quickly.
Lassiter is similar in nature to former NFL CB Brent Grimes, who was not the biggest in the game. However, his ballhawk skills were evident.
Lassiter is quick enough to make opposing QBs rethink throwing in his direction. He had a career-high 8 passes defended in 2023, along with 37 tackles and half a sack.
Lassiter could do well to add speed to a unit that needs the most help. With Lassiter and Asante Samuel Jr. lined up, the secondary could be quite scary.
