Chargers Experts Make Final 1st-Round Predictions for 2023 Draft

Even though it has been quite the journey studying every top prospect's college film and theorizing their potential fit within the Los Angeles Chargers, we can't say it will be missed too much. We have been ready to see exactly who Tom Telesco and company believe will contribute to the franchise immediately and it all starts with that 21st pick.

For all we know, LA will opt to not even select today if they end up trading down like many are rumoring them to do so. With reports that Bijan Robinson and other previous top targets for the Bolts are now heavily interested in teams with better picks, the Chargers may just choose to go down and get more compensation while they're at it.

Nonetheless, it would be amazing to see us actually welcome in a new player today so we took a look at some of the final predictions made by Chargers experts.

A 6'7 Georgia Product May Be The Move

Darnell Washington vs other TEs on the sled 😂
https://t.co/t3aKmNhZ33
— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) March 6, 2023

Darnell Washington has made quite the name for himself during his time at Georgia. He took home two straight national championships, went for over 450 yards in his final season, and was named to the All-SEC Second team.

The Chargers have been looking for insurance at the TE position and Washington may just be their guy. Dan Wolkenstein of Chargers Unleashed certainly thinks so.

I've said it many times - #Chargers somehow pairing TE Darnell Washington and RB/OW Jahmyr Gibbs would be a DREAM SCENARIO.
— Dan W. (@DanWSports) April 27, 2023

"I've said it many times - #Chargers somehow pairing TE Darnell Washington and RB/OW Jahmyr Gibbs would be a DREAM SCENARIO." (Via @DanWSports)

The Mayhem of Michael Mayer

It is clear that heading into this draft, the Chargers are looking for guys on offense who offer speed and versatility. Michael Mayer offers both of these things and has established himself as another premier TE option in this this year's class.

Mayer is starting to look like the safe pick for many who are looking at the realistic crop of prospects that will be left once it is the Bolts' time to make a choice.

Michael Mayer will be a ________ by tomorrow night pic.twitter.com/02s2XZCY96
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 26, 2023

Guilty As Charged podcast co-host Alex Insdorf went with Mayer as his final prediction.

9AM, draft day: My gut tells me the #Chargers pick is *probably* Michael Mayer.

Best blocking TE in the class, better receiver and athlete than he's thought to be. I wouldn't be thrilled with the value and the position, but I'd understand.

full pod:https://t.co/uYvd1Z3fXH pic.twitter.com/mkKzyZimUl
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) April 27, 2023

"9AM, draft day: My gut tells me the

#Chargers

pick is *probably* Michael Mayer. Best blocking TE in the class, better receiver and athlete than he's thought to be. I wouldn't be thrilled with the value and the position, but I'd understand."

(Via @Alexinsdorf99)

We will see all of you guys at 5 pm PT sharp!

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