Chargers predicted to select Asante Samuel replacement in NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers went 11-6 in Jim Harbaugh's first season as head coach, but the year still ended in disappointment.

L.A. struggled in their lone playoff game, with the Houston Texans handing them a 32-12 defeat. That led to some big changes this offseason on their roster, including the exit of Joey Bosa, Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Asante Samuel, and Joshua Palmer.

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They've filled a couple of those vacancies during NFL free agency but there's more work to do. That includes finding someone who can replace Asante Samuel Jr. That's where CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole turns his attention in his latest mock draft.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron celebrates a turnover against the Clemson Tigers. | Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Stackpole predicted the entire first round and has the Chargers taking Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron at No. 22 overall. Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award, is seen as an excellent fit in the slot and should lock that job down for the foreseeable future.

"The Chargers land Jahdae Barron, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football last season. He's not an elite athlete but he does everything really well." — Stackpole, CBS Sports

Barron had 82 tackles, 11 pass defenses, and five interceptions for the Longhorns in 2024. He's not overly explosive and is under 6-foot, which has him on the edge of Round 1. Still, he feels like a safe bet with a very high floor.

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