After hitting a home run on quarterback Justin Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers look to build the team around him. Free agency saw an emphasis on this with signing Corey Linsley to a long-term contract. With major holes at left tackle and one of the guard spots, the Chargers desperately need to continue fixing the line. Herbert’s future depends on it. After watching what happened to Joe Burrow last year, there is no debate on what should happen. Let’s see if Los Angeles can give their star quarterback what he deserves.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 13: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Left tackle is beyond a need: it is a priority. Darrisaw is an excellent, youthful, experienced player. He has all of the tools required to be a perennial Pro Bowler. Herbert will certainly be popping champagne knowing that his blindside is finally protected. Darrisaw may not be the best day-one left tackle in the draft, but he has the chance to develop into the best. One of the final pieces is in place for a Chargers Super Bowl.
For more on Darrisaw, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 47: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Although his pro day may have hurt Rousseau, prospect-wise, that day may have saved his career. He knows that he is underdeveloped: Rousseau said so in an interview before the draft. Among all of the mentors in the NFL, Joey Bosa may be the best for maximizing the former Hurricane’s potential. The former top-ten prospect may have fallen to second-round talks, but his talent may end up being top-ten in this draft years down the line. Melvin Ingram’s loss may hurt, but the answer is apparent if Rousseau is available at 47.
Round 3, Pick 77: Trey Smith, OG, Tennessee
If it were not for medical issues, Smith would be a top-25 pick in this draft. He may be the best guard, talent-wise. Herbert may be the commander of the team, but allowing the run game to flourish will certainly not spark a complaint. Smith is an absolute mauler. NFL players will fear lining up against him. As long as the medicals check out, Smith will not be here; however, if there are doubts in the air, this may be too good to pass up on. This pick will secure a top-10 offensive line if Smith can stay healthy.
Round 3, Pick 97: Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Losing Casey Hayward shatters this defense. Adebo has been in the first-round conversation for multiple years before this one. With fears over his athleticism, the former Cardinal proved everyone wrong with a 4.42-second forty-yard-dash. He has the coverage traits, the size, and the speed to potentially be a number-one corner. That is a pretty solid value for a late-third-round pick. Adebo can and will start day one. For now, the Chargers can take a deep breath: the secondary is patched, if not fixed.
Round 4, Pick 118: Trill Williams, CB, Syracuse
Two starting cornerbacks are certainly not enough. Williams is an absolute steal for this pick. When the secondary has problems, why not take the best player on the board? Adebo has the potential of busting, so adding more skilled players to the depth chart does not hurt whatsoever. This pick was a no-brainer. Defense wins championships. Having depth also allows teams to compete with injuries, so Williams may not just be a depth player in time.
Round 5, Pick 159: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
Hubbard ran for over 2,000 yards just over a year ago. Justin Jackson has one year left on his contract, and Joshua Kelley is not amazing to the point where taking a shot on a potential starting running back is out of the question. He fell off this year, that is true, but Hubbard still showed that he could play at the highest level. Never forget that, especially when the offensive line will be this talented and when the injuries pile up. Hubbard may very well revert to his 2019 self and save the day.
Round 6, Pick 185: Rachad Wildgoose Jr., CB, Wisconsin
As Pro Football Focus Says: there can never be too many corners on a team. With Chris Harris Jr at 32 years of age, the Chargers may very well be down to one starter, Michael Davis, in their corner corps. Wildgoose is a PFF top-100 darling. His play at Wisconsin has been consistent and solid. He may just be a rotational player at the next level, but there is always the potential for him to start in case of injuries.
Round 6, Pick 198: Divine Deablo, SAF, Virginia Tech
This pick was solely for the best player available. Derwin James had an ACL tear last year, so adding another strong safety for depth cannot hurt. Deablo displayed ball skills against Trevor Lawrence with an endzone interception. Not only that, but the former Hookie tested very well at his pro day. All signs point to this pick potentially developing into the steal of the draft, especially if James gets injured again. Deablo can also play at linebacker in certain sub-packages.
Round 7, Pick 241: Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas
Somehow Darden fell this far. However, he should have been picked rounds ago. The burst, agility, and speed are unmatched for a day-two prospect, let alone a day-three prospect. Darden will alleviate stress from Herbert always having to make a big play. After the catch, the North Texas product is lethal: he can change speeds and really mess up defenders’ angles on him. That is a trait few have in this class.
For more on Darden, check out our scouting report on him here.
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