The 2023 NFL draft is creeping up, so we will supply you with in-depth coverage between now and then to inform you who the Chargers could target while they’re on the clock.
With that being said, this is the third installment of the four-round mock draft Friday, where I will lay out different scenarios every week on how the first four rounds could play out for Los Angeles.
Round 1, No. 21, WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
Even after the restructured contracts of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers need an explosive element in their wide receiver room. Flowers could be just what they’re looking for.
While undersized at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, Flowers is a very dynamic receiver, with not just deep speed but the quickness and twitchiness in space, making him a threat with the ball in his hands.
Flowers led the ACC with 503 yards after the catch. Additionally, he forced 25 missed tackles last season, the third-most in the country for a wide receiver.
Round 2, No. 54, RB Zach Charbonnet
All eyes are on Austin Ekeler, who is looking to get paid. I believe that Ekeler and the Chargers will be able to agree on an extension. But even if Ekeler is signed for the next few seasons, they need to find him a reliable running mate.
After failing to do so with multiple selections on Day 3 in previous drafts, Los Angeles attempts to nail it here with a pick to open up Day 2.
Charbonnet is a handful at the running back position. He shows great contact balance and won’t go down on first contact. He is strong enough to throw defenders off of him as he continues the run. Furthermore, Charbonnet has more speed than players his size and great hands as a receiver.
Charbonnet posted 11 touchdowns with Michigan in 2019 before transferring to UCLA, where he put up eye-popping numbers. In 2021, he ran for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns (5.6 yards per carry) and in 2020 he ran for 1,359 yards with 14 (7.0 YPC).
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. While Bosa was 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 over 33-inch arms. Further, Hampton has a nice pass-rush toolbox, with active hands, the bend to get past blockers and 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.
Round 4, No. 125, TE Davis Allen, Clemson
The Chargers could address the tight end position a lot earlier than here in the fourth round. But regardless, they must add another body to the room, as Gerald Everett has one more year remaining on his contract, Donald Parham’s injury concerns loom and Tre’ McKitty has been underwhelming.
At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Allen is a tough competitor who takes pride in his blocking and is willing to take defenders head-on at the line. He has strong, natural hands to highpoint and haul in passes, projecting as a red zone weapon from Year 1.
A starter his last two seasons at Clemson, Allen emerged as one of the Tigers’ top targets in the passing game during that time. He was third on the team in receptions (39) and receiving yards (443) this past season and tied for the team lead with five touchdown catches.
Allen finished his Clemson career with 88 catches for 951 yards and 12 touchdown catches.
