The Chargers’ 2023 season is now over, so all the focus shifts to the offseason, where Los Angeles will look to revamp their roster to add the necessary pieces to make a deep run next season.
L.A. will hold the No. 5 overall selection in the first round.
With that in mind, here’s our first mock draft of the 2024 off-season.
Round 1, No. 5, WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Nabers, the 6-foot and 200-pound wideout, is a dynamic playmaker whose release, play speed and run-after-catch ability make him a home-run threat each time he touches the ball.
Nabers is coming off his most productive season, as he finished with 89 receptions for 1,569 yards (17.6 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns. 17 of those of catches went over 30 yards.
Even though the Chargers drafted Quentin Johnston this past year, they still lack an explosive element in the offense. Furthermore, Mike Williams could be a cap casualty, and Keenan Allen is aging.
Insert Nabers into the offense and he and Justin Herbert would do wonders together.
Round 2, No. 37, CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
The Chargers will be in the market for a starting cornerback this offseason. Michael Davis will be a free agent. Asante Samuel Jr. made some great plays in coverage but also made some crucial mistakes and struggled against the run.
Lassiter is a complete cover corner who excels in press-man and zone coverages, possessing great instincts, football intelligence, hip fluidity and change-of-direction skills. Against the run, he is a very willing participant and a sound open-field tackler.
Lassiter finished his college career with 86 tackles, a sack, an interception and 14 pass deflections.
Round 3, No. 69, DT Byron Murphy, Texas
I thought about going with a center here since Corey Linsley is leaning toward retiring. But the interior defensive line also needs some retooling with Sebastian Joseph-Day gone and Austin Johnston and Nick Williams set to be free agents.
I believe that Murphy should be a Round 2 selection, but I think his lack of ideal size for the position will cause him to slide a little bit. It would be a steal for the Chargers to get Murphy, a stout, explosive and agile defensive tackle who can generate pressure and stop the run.
Texas DT Byron Murphy has a lot to offer… quick hands, quick feet, leverage & awareness pic.twitter.com/3CDDpaNYN5
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 6, 2024
