Charger Report

Chargers predicted to go all-in on these playmakers for QB Herbert in NFL Draft

A recent mock draft has the Los Angeles Chargers doubling-down on pass catchers in the upcoming draft, including a somewhat surprising 2nd round pick.
Brian Letscher|
Jan 5, 2025; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10).
Jan 5, 2025; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10). | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles ChargersMichigan WolverinesStanford Cardinal

As Jim Harbaugh looks to continue the rebuild of the Los Angeles Chargers, there are several roster holes to fill. While GM Joe Hortiz has made some free agent moves - notably bringing in RB Najee Harris and OL Mekhi Becton as well as re-signing their own guys such as DB Elijiah Molden, OL Bradley Bozeman and Pro Bowl EDGE man Khalil Mack -- the offense still lacks explosive firepower.

Rookie wideout Ladd McConkey certainly looks like he's the real deal but beyond that the Chargers are looking at an inconsistent Quentin Johnson and 31-year-old Mike William at wide receiver. Tight end isn't much more exciting with journeymen Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin currently the first two in line. A recent mock draft by ESPN analyst Field Yates, however, has the Chargers addressing both TE and WR with their first two picks, including an interesting choice at their No. 55, second-round slot.

Round 1, 22nd pick: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Colston Loveland
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) makes a catch against Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"This is a common projection in part because it would reunite Loveland with his former college coach Jim Harbaugh, but the fit really does make sense for the Chargers, " Yates wrote, " Los Angeles lacked a movable matchup player at tight end in 2024, and Loveland is exactly that. At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, he is too big for defensive backs to cover, but he's also faster than most linebackers with his seam-stretching speed and nifty route running."

Round 2, 55th pick: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Elic Ayomanor
Sep 23, 2023; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats. | John Hefti-Imagn Images

"The Chargers brought Mike Williams back this offseason, but he's 30 years old and on a one-year deal..., " Yates wrote, "...the Chargers should be looking for WRs to slot alongside Ladd McConkey outside."

At 6'2" with 4.44 speed, the Canadian-born Ayomanor has excellent upside and should make rapid improvement on technique, particularly learning to separate at the breaking point. Physically-speaking, based on the combine, he's the 10th highest ranked WR in this class by Next Gen Stats. No doubt.

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Jim Harbaugh's dream comes true in latest Chargers prediction

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh lobs some surprising comments about Justin Herbert's OL

Chargers linked to former TD leader that would thrill Justin Herbert

J.K. Dobbins' updated free agency fits include Chargers division rival

Annual NFL head coach photo places Jim Harbaugh beside his new best friend

Published
Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers Draft Updates