Draft season is officially upon us, as the East-West Shrine Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl ushered the football world into February with a week of all-star showings. With intel beginning to circulate and players rising and falling based on their performance, things will only reach a fever pitch as the NFL Combine approaches at the end of this month.
Let’s take a moment to evaluate what the Chargers might do when the draft rolls around in April.
Round 1, Pick 22: Michigan DL Kenneth Grant
A different Wolverine – tight end Colston Loveland – has been the most popular pick for the Chargers in this spot, but the rising stock of Penn State’s Tyler Warren could pull Loveland above the 22nd spot. Grant attended the Shrine Bowl but only participated in interviews, where he told at least one media member that he’d love to reunite with head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and defensive line coach Mike Elston in LA.
A disruptive pass rusher from 1-technique, Grant would add a much-needed pass rush presence from the interior. Poona Ford and Teair Tart are free agents this offseason, which could magnify the need for a presence on the inside.
Round 2, Pick 54: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins
Higgins was arguably the best receiver at this year’s Senior Bowl, as he showed a routine ability to run past defensive backs down the field and make tough catches. He finished the 2024 season with one of the lowest drop rates in the country as the Cyclones’ primary target.
The Chargers need a bona fide threat on the outside, with Ladd McConkey set in stone in the slot. Joshua Palmer is a free agent and Quentin Johnston has still not risen to the level LA thought he would when he was drafted 21st overall in 2023.
Round 3, Pick 87: LSU TE Mason Taylor
Another attendee of the Senior Bowl, Taylor looked smooth as a route runner in Mobile, consistently beating linebackers with quickness and defensive backs at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds. The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, the LSU product also comes with an NFL pedigree.
While not an overly dynamic vertical route runner, Taylor fits nicely into a Greg Roman scheme that wants tight ends to find soft spots in zones underneath. A well-rounded player who will also be a solid blocker, Taylor could easily step in as a rookie starter despite his Day 2 landing spot.
