Chargers News: Surprising Mock Projects LA To Draft Down

The Los Angeles Chargers finished the 2023 season with a 5-12 record after they entered the year with major playoff hopes. It was a frustrating year all around, but with their issues, they do now hold the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The common thought behind many mock drafts is that the Bolts will be looking at the offensive side of the ball. Many have them taking an offensive lineman, given that new coach Jim Harbaugh loves to build his teams around strong play in the trenches.

In their latest mock draft, CBS Sports NFL Draft expert Chris Trapasso has Los Angeles moving down in the draft one spot to select Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga. Fuaga would fit the bill of helping to protect Herbert while the Chargers add extra assets to the table.

Trading down one spot with the Giants would likely warrant a 2nd or 3rd rounder in return, allowing the Chargers to select even more young talent in the draft.

"I'm not going to say he's Penei Sewell 2.0 but there are moments where you are almost shocked at how mobile he is at that size."

Per Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports

Sewell was the seventh overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2021 and has carved out a great career so far. If Fuaga ends up like this, the Chargers would be very happy with this potential selection.

They need to do whatever it takes to protect Herbert going forward, so adding a talent like Fuaga would do the trick. Last season with the Beavers, he allowed zero sacks, two quarterback hits, and 10 hurries while playing 700 snaps.

He is one of the more elite offensive linemen in the draft this season, and the Chargers may want to consider him. Of course, he still needs to perform well at the NFL Combine, but if he does, the sky is the limit for him.