The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released his new seven-round mock draft on Monday.
Brugler pays close attention to fit (scheme and culture), draft trends, meetings, etc, rather than his own opinion.
The highly-touted draft analyst kicked off the Chargers draft with the selection of Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Here is what Brugler said about the pick:
Talking to one team source about Kincaid’s back injury, there is concern that Kincaid might not be ready for minicamp but no long-term worries, which is obviously good news for the tight end. Justin Herbert would love to see this projection come to fruition on draft night because it would give him arguably the best pure pass catcher in the entire draft.
Kincaid has been pegged as a top target for Los Angeles throughout the draft cycle, given their need to address the position as they search for a bonafide No. 1 TE since Hunter Henry.
Kincaid is a prolific receiver with great hands who can win all over the field with his athleticism and play speed and can create yards after the catch. He would be a good weapon for Justin Herbert from Day 1.
In Round 2, the Chargers selected South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith.
J.C. Jackson is unlikely to be ready to go at the start of the 2023 season as he will still be recovering from the knee injury he sustained in Week 7. Plus, as long as Brandon Staley is head coach, Los Angeles will always be in the market for corners. So it wouldn’t be surprising to see them target one early.
At 6-foot-1 and 189 pounds, Smith has the size and length that Staley covets in players at the position. He is a very sound player with fluid hips and footwork to mirror receivers, an aggressive nature and ball skills.
In Round 3, L.A. took USC edge defender Tuli Tuipulotu.
The Chargers need more players capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Tuipolutu, the 6-foot-3 and 266-pounder, has shown plenty to fit that billing, having logged 42 pressures and 13.5 sacks last season.
In Round 4, Los Angeles selected Oklahoma running back Eric Gray.
Whether Austin Ekeler is traded or not, it’s unlikely he won’t be on the team beyond the 2023 season at this point, so they will be in search of players to fill out that room. Gray is an explosive and physical runner with the receiving chops to eventually take over a backfield.
In Round 5, L.A. drafted Princeton wide receiver Andrei Iosivas.
It’s no secret that the Bolts must inject more speed into the wideout group. Iosivas, a three-time Ivy League champion in the indoor heptathlon, would do just that. While his routes need more refinement, Iosivas can get to top speed vertically quickly and outpace defenders in the open.
In Round 6, the Chargers took California safety Daniel Scott.
JT Woods is still a work in progress. Alohi Gilman is slated to start alongside Derwin James as it stands, but they would benefit from another playmaker on the back end. Scott is an experienced and intelligent player who can man the deep parts of the field and serve as a core special teamer.
To close out the draft, Los Angeles drafted Oregon guard T.J. Bass.
The interior part of the offensive line has its starters set with Zion Johnson, Corey Linsley and Jamaree Salyer. But depth is needed. Bass is a decent athlete with good lower-body strength that shows up in the run game and is aware in pass protection. He offers the versatility to play tackle in a pinch.
