With the 2023 NFL draft just a week away, now is an excellent time to reset where the Chargers’ depth chart stands and what their strategy at each position could be.
First up: the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback
Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
The Chargers are set for many years, with Herbert at the helm. It’s only a matter of time until he gets his massive contract extension, which should come after the draft. After backing up Herbert the past few seasons, the team decided to bring Stick back on a one-year deal.
Draft strategy: Los Angeles has typically carried three quarterbacks during the regular season. If they choose to go that route with the positional room, they will likely add one on late Day 3, like TCU’s Max Duggan or another from the undrafted free agency pool to compete this summer for a practice squad or roster spot.
Running back
Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree, Zander Horvath
Ekeler has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL over the past two seasons, and he wants to be paid for his efforts. However, the Chargers haven’t budged, leaving Ekeler to seek a trade. As of now, there hasn’t been any activity. Something could happen, but Ekeler returning to Los Angeles on his current deal or a short-term extension seems like the likeliest outcome. Kelley has flashed the ability to be a second running back, but he has one more year on his contract. Spiller could not carve himself a consistent role on offense and was repeatedly a healthy scratch in his rookie campaign. Rountree has primarily served as a special teamer.
Draft strategy: If Texas’ Bijan Robinson is still available when the Chargers are on the clock, it’ll be difficult for them to pass a player with that amount of immense talent. Nonetheless, this is a positional group that Los Angeles could address a lot earlier than many may expect, despite having other pressing needs. They have had UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet and TCU’s Kendre Miller, who are both projected to be Day 2 selections, on top-30 visits. Beyond that, if they have the mindset of finding the guy who will eventually take over the backfield, assuming Ekeler is not a part of their long-term plans, Texas A&M’s Devon Achane, Tulane’s Tyjae Spears and Texas’ Roschon Johnson are some players that would make sense.
Wide receiver
Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, Jalen Guyton, Keelan Doss, John Hightower
One of the focal points for the Chargers is adding a dynamic speed element to the positional room. Los Angeles could not create explosive plays in the passing game this past season. Injuries were a factor, as was Joe Lombardi’s scheme, which was predicated on quick and underneath throws, and Justin Herbert’s ability to go through reads quickly. However, ultimately they did not have enough speed at receiver even when Allen and Williams were on the field. With the tantalizing arm talent that Herbert has, there’s no excuse not to be pushing the ball downfield. Herbert was among the lowest in average depth of target in 2022. While Kellen Moore was the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Dak Prescott had the seventh-highest average depth of target in the NFL (8.3 air yards per attempt). Promising evidence that will change.
Draft strategy: The Chargers could address the position from the get-go, with someone like Boston College’s Zay Flowers, if he’s still available, TCU’s Quentin Johnston or USC’s Jordan Addison. If they were to trade down, North Carolina’s Josh Downs and Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt are solid options. But if they go a different route in Round 1, this wide receiver class inspires plenty on Day 2. Oklahoma’s Marvin Mims, Ole Miss’ Jonathan Mingo, Cincinnati’s Tyler Scott, Houston’s Tank Dell, Michigan State’s Jayden Reed and Princeton’s Andrei Iosivas would make sense. I envision Los Angeles will double dip at the position, and bring in another wideout on Day 3 to bolster the depth chart. If that’s the case, West Virginia’s Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Arkansas’ Matt Landers and Florida’s Justin Shorter are good options. L.A. also needs to find a returner after Deandre Carter left and joined the Raiders. Kansas State’s Malik Knowles, Cincinnati’s Tre Tucker, Liberty’s Demario Douglas, TCU’s Derius Davis and UCLA’s Kazmeir Allen are players capable of those duties.
Tight end
Gerald Everett, Donald Parham Jr., Tre’ McKitty, Stone Smartt, Hunter Kampmoyer
The Chargers will return all their tight ends from 2022. However, this is still a big position of need. With Parham’s injury concerns looming from the past two seasons and the not-so-inspiring play of McKitty, Los Angeles would benefit from a complete player at the position to complement Everett in 2023 and take over as the No. 1 when he hits the free agency market after this upcoming season. Furthermore, Moore’s scheme is heavily predicated on 12 personnel, which means two tight ends on the field. Therefore, they will be looking for a tight end proven as a receiver but can assist in the run game as a blocker.
Draft strategy: If the Chargers want to select a tight end in Round 1, Utah’s Dalton Kincaid and Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer will be the likliest options. Kincaid brings more juice as a pass-catcher, while Mayer fits more of the mold that Moore could be looking for, as he is a well-rounded player who offers more in the blocking department. If they trade down, Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave and Georgia’s Darnell Washington would make sense. On Day 2, Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker and Old Dominion’s Zack Kuntz should be targets. Beyond that, Cincinnati’s Josh Whyle and Clemson’s Davis Allen are good options.
Offensive line
Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Corey Linsley, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins III, Will Clapp, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarell, Zack Bailey, Andrew Trainer, Isaac Weaver, Austen Pleasants
For once in a very long time, the Chargers won’t be in the market for starters along the offensive line. Pipkins was re-signed to remain as the starting right tackle. Matt Feiler was cut, but Salyer is set to be the starting left guard in 2023. Nonetheless, Los Angeles still needs depth up front, as they’ve dealt with injuries to starters in seasons prior. Jaimes is the only backup guard. The swing tackle is either Salyer, which would open up a hole at guard, or Sarell, who struggled this past season.
Draft strategy: The Chargers will likely attack this position on Day 3, with an offensive lineman with the versatility to play multiple positions being the most likely scenario. Chattanooga’s McClendon Curtis, Penn State’s Juice Scruggs, Arkansas’ Ricky Stromberg and Notre Dame’s Jarrett Patterson fit that billing. Los Angeles has shown a lot of interest in UCLA guard Atonio Mafi, and he would be an intriguing option. There is the possibility that they could be in the market for Linsley’s eventual replacement, which could lead to them having Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz, Wisconsin’s Joe Tippmann and Joe Wypler atop their boards on Day 2.
