Chargers Beat Writer Nabs True Game-Changer in Latest Mock Draft Selection
The Los Angeles Chargers hold the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, giving them the ability to take a true game-changer for the franchise. They have been mocked to take either an offensive lineman or wide receiver in most drafts, considering their needs across the roster.
Chargers beat writer Daniel Popper of The Athletic participated in the beat writer mock draft. Typically, this can give some extra insight into where teams may be thinking at this stage, and he nabbed a truly special offensive talent to land with the Bolts.
"5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
I tried to trade down, but with the top three quarterbacks off the board, I did not get any bites. There is certainly a chance that new head coach Jim Harbaugh will look to take an offensive lineman at this spot. But I was unwilling to pass up the opportunity to draft a blue-chip receiver for Justin Herbert. The Chargers could be forced to move on from Mike Williams for cap reasons. Quentin Johnston, a 2023 first-round pick, had a rough rookie year. Supplying Herbert with weapons will always be a good team-building strategy."
Nabers put up 89 catches for 1,569 yards for LSU last season. He was the number one option in the Tigers' explosive offensive gameplan and would be special in a Bolts uniform.
Alongside Keenan Allen, Nabers would help create a dynamic duo for the Chargers. Nabers uses his speed and athleticism to create space in the open field, giving quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon to work with.
If the Bolts were to take Nabers, it would be the second straight year they would use a first-round pick on a wide receiver. They took Quentin Johnston last season and will be hoping for more breakout performances from him.
Nabers would be a home run selection for the Bolts and is the best receiver in the draft class. The Bolts can't go wrong with this pick and have plenty of different routes to choose from.
