New Mock Draft Has Chargers Double-Dipping on Position of Need in First Two Rounds
NFL analysts and fans are still putting together mock drafts, attempting to identify problem areas for teams, and how adding young talent will improve those areas. One of the biggest areas of concern for the Los Angeles Chargers is the offensive line.
The Chargers had injuries across the board in 2023, but a makeshift starting offensive line led to Justin Herbert being injured too many times. For someone like Herbert to throw the accurate deep ball, he needs the time to do that. An improved offensive line could help Herbert's game improve greatly.
Pro Football Network has put together a new mock draft, which has the Chargers doubling down on offensive line help. Per Pro Football Network:
5) Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Jim Harbaugh hasn’t hidden his desire to run the ball since arriving in Los Angeles. Joe Alt would allow him to do that with his frame, length, and power drive. And in the passing game, Alt’s rare flexibility and short-area athleticism for his size would be invaluable.
37) Los Angeles Chargers: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
The offensive line will be a heavy focus for the Chargers under Harbaugh. It follows that Zach Frazier should be a prime target at 37th overall with his strength and football IQ.
PFN has the Chargers selecting Joe Alt from Notre Dame and Zach Frazier from West Virginia with their first two draft selections.
This might sound like a wild idea considering the WR room took a big hit with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams no longer on the team, but this draft is chock full of receiver prospects.
Alt is one of the most versatile tackles in the draft and pairing him with Rashawn Slater would be massive for the Chargers.
Frazier is a center that is needed as well, especially after the starting center Corey Linsley announced he is likely to medically retire from football.
The Chargers only have Brenden Jaimes on the roster as a backup center to Linsley, so they will need to address this in the draft. Frazier would be a smart pick and a player that could be a day-one starter.
