The Chargers’ 2022 season is now over, so all the focus shifts to the offseason, where Los Angeles will look to reconstruct their roster to add the necessary pieces to make a deeper run next season.
L.A. will hold the No. 21 overall selection in the first round.
With that in mind, here’s our first mock draft of the 2023 off-season.
Round 1, No. 21, WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
The Chargers are missing one element that would maximize quarterback Justin Herbert’s talents: speed.
Hyatt, the reigning Biletnikoff Award recipient, has an electric 4.2 speed, which he used to outrun SEC defenders routinely. Additionally, he has elite ball-tracking skills and is excellent at the catch point.
Hyatt caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He averaged 18.9 yards per catch, ranked 13th in the nation, and had 14 catches on balls thrown at least 20 yards downfield, tied for fourth.
Herbert’s 6.8 yards per attempt ranked 26th in the NFL in 2022, and Hyatt’s downfield ability would help turn that around toward the top of the league.
Jalin Hyatt: Always Open
pic.twitter.com/tx1gCtlfsG— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 30, 2022
Round 2, No. 54, TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah
The Chargers continue giving Herbert more weapons to set him up for success with the selection of Kincaid in Round 2.
Kincaid is a prolific pass-catcher with good route-running skills, can produce after the catch, and has the toughness to win and secure crowded catch points. In addition, he is consistent in pass protection and shows willingness to block in the run game.
Kincaid amassed 103 receptions for 1375 yards and 16 touchdowns in his four years as a starter for the Utes, with his best season coming in his senior campaign, where he racked up an impressive 890 yards on 70 catches.
Given Donald Parham’s lingering injury concerns and Tre’ McKitty not providing much value in his first two seasons, Kincaid would supply the tight end room with a complete player at the position from Day 1.
Oh my god Dalton Kincaid 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/c9KbRsEWAj
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) October 16, 2022
Round 3, No. 85, EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack’s time on the field in their first year together was short-lived. Since Bosa had been out, the pass rush production from the edge defender group left a lot to be desired. That is why the Chargers must address the position in the offseason.
Hampton oozes elite athleticism. He’s a speed rusher with a quick first step who also boasts impressive power at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds with 34-inch arms. Further, Hampton has a nice pass-rush toolbox, with active hands and the bend to get past blockers, and the burst to close on players.
Over 46 career games, Hampton racked up 175 tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, 134 quarterback pressures, and 101 run stops.
Nick Hampton = THAT dude 😤 pic.twitter.com/wpJTDyreMH
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 24, 2022
