NFL Draft Grades - Los Angeles Chargers
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Los Angeles Chargers Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (7)
2023
Pick 21. (R:1 P:21) -
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Grade: A-
The Chargers, like the Seahawks, have two talented receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to stay healthy, and Allen is nearing the end of his tenure with the team. The Chargers had to find another weapon for Justin Herbert, and Johnson has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones from some around the NFL.
Grade: A-
The Chargers, like the Seahawks, have two talented receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to stay healthy, and Allen is nearing the end of his tenure with the team. The Chargers had to find another weapon for Justin Herbert, and Johnson has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones from some around the NFL.
2023
Pick 54. (R:2 P:23) -
Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC
Grade: A
Tuli Tuipulotu is an explosive player who could have gone earlier than this. The Chargers already have two stud edge rushers, but you can never have enough players to rush the passer, especially in the AFC. Besides, Khalil Mack won't be around for very long, so Tuipulotu will start a couple of seasons.
Grade: A
Tuli Tuipulotu is an explosive player who could have gone earlier than this. The Chargers already have two stud edge rushers, but you can never have enough players to rush the passer, especially in the AFC. Besides, Khalil Mack won't be around for very long, so Tuipulotu will start a couple of seasons.
2023
Pick 85. (R:3 P:22) -
Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
Grade: A
The Chargers have had issues at linebacker for years, but perhaps they've finally solved that problem. Daiyan Henley has great sideline-to-sideline speed, and I thought he could easily be chosen in the second round. I love this value.
Grade: A
The Chargers have had issues at linebacker for years, but perhaps they've finally solved that problem. Daiyan Henley has great sideline-to-sideline speed, and I thought he could easily be chosen in the second round. I love this value.
2023
Pick 125. (R:4 P:23) - Derius Davis, WR, TCU
Grade: B
The Chargers apparently were big fans of the TCU receiving corps. Derius Davis is extremely fast and should be used in the slot at the next level. The Chargers needed to revamp the receiving corps, so this pick makes sense.
Grade: B
The Chargers apparently were big fans of the TCU receiving corps. Derius Davis is extremely fast and should be used in the slot at the next level. The Chargers needed to revamp the receiving corps, so this pick makes sense.
2023
Pick 156. (R:5 P:21) - Jordan McFadden, G, Clemson
Grade: A-
I had Jordan McFadden in the fourth round, so I like this value. The need also makes sense, as the Chargers had to find better interior line depth. Jordan McFadden played tackle at Clemson, but will probably have to move inside due to athleticism limitations.
Grade: A-
I had Jordan McFadden in the fourth round, so I like this value. The need also makes sense, as the Chargers had to find better interior line depth. Jordan McFadden played tackle at Clemson, but will probably have to move inside due to athleticism limitations.
2023
Pick 200. (R:6 P:23) - Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State
Grade: C
The Chargers needed help at defensive tackle, but that's not anything new. Scott Matlock has some upside as a pass rusher, but he's going to get pushed around in run support. I didn't have him in any of my mocks.
Grade: C
The Chargers needed help at defensive tackle, but that's not anything new. Scott Matlock has some upside as a pass rusher, but he's going to get pushed around in run support. I didn't have him in any of my mocks.
2023
Pick 239. (R:7 P:22) -
Max Duggan, QB, TCU
Grade: A
Max Duggan is another prospect who easily could have gone much earlier than this. Max Duggan has no elite traits, but he's an accurate quarterback who can scramble. He has good potential to be a career No. 2 quarterback.
Grade: A
Max Duggan is another prospect who easily could have gone much earlier than this. Max Duggan has no elite traits, but he's an accurate quarterback who can scramble. He has good potential to be a career No. 2 quarterback.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Los Angeles Chargers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
The Chargers need to put as much pressure on Patrick Mahomes as possible. They have great edge players, but need a force up the middle.
Calijah Kancey is a terrific athlete with huge upside, but he's raw at the moment.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Quentin Johnson/Jordan Addison, WR - Some receivers for the Chargers to consider.
2. Christian Gonzalez/Deonte Banks, CB - If Christian Gonzalez falls, as projected in this update, the Chargers could definitely consider him to help combat Patrick Mahomes. Deonte Banks makes sense as well.
Round: 2
Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
Keenan Allen won't be with the Chargers much longer, while Mike Williams always gets hurt.
Josh Downs projects as a speedy slot receiver.
Round: 3
Los Angeles Chargers: Noah Sewell, ILB, Oregon
The Chargers have struggled to stop the run for quite some time. They need help in that regard, so perhaps they'll finally solidify their weak linebacking corps.
Noah Sewell is a big linebacker, but covers well for one. See where he ranks in our 2023 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
Round: 4
Los Angeles Chargers: Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
The Chargers figure to use an early pick or two on an interior defensive lineman, given their issues in that spot.
Moro Ojomo is a good player, but happens to be a tweener.
Round: 5
Los Angeles Chargers: Tiyon Evans, RB, Louisville
Austin Ekeler could be traded, so the Chargers should obtain a running back at some point.
Tiyon Evans missed some time with an undisclosed injury in '22. He showed nice receiving ability at the combine.
Round: 6
Los Angeles Chargers: Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah
The Chargers don't have a strong linebacking corps, so they could address the position much earlier than this.
Mohamoud Diabate didn't have a very impressive year for Utah this past season. His coverae skills are lackluster.
Round: 7
Los Angeles Chargers: David Durden, WR, Western Carolina
Given the injury issues the Chargers have at receiver, they could use another player at the position.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 21. (R:1 P:21) -
Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
A- The Chargers, like the Seahawks, have two talented receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to stay healthy, and Allen is nearing the end of his tenure with the team. The Chargers had to find another weapon for Justin Herbert, and Johnson has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones from some around the NFL.
A- The Chargers, like the Seahawks, have two talented receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to stay healthy, and Allen is nearing the end of his tenure with the team. The Chargers had to find another weapon for Justin Herbert, and Johnson has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones from some around the NFL.
2023
Pick 54. (R:2 P:23) -
Tuli Tuipulotu, DE, USC
A Tuli Tuipulotu is an explosive player who could have gone earlier than this. The Chargers already have two stud edge rushers, but you can never have enough players to rush the passer, especially in the AFC. Besides, Khalil Mack won't be around for very long, so Tuipulotu will start a couple of seasons.
A Tuli Tuipulotu is an explosive player who could have gone earlier than this. The Chargers already have two stud edge rushers, but you can never have enough players to rush the passer, especially in the AFC. Besides, Khalil Mack won't be around for very long, so Tuipulotu will start a couple of seasons.
2023
Pick 85. (R:3 P:22) -
Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State
A The Chargers have had issues at linebacker for years, but perhaps they've finally solved that problem. Daiyan Henley has great sideline-to-sideline speed, and I thought he could easily be chosen in the second round. I love this value.
A The Chargers have had issues at linebacker for years, but perhaps they've finally solved that problem. Daiyan Henley has great sideline-to-sideline speed, and I thought he could easily be chosen in the second round. I love this value.
2023
Pick 125. (R:4 P:23) - Derius Davis, WR, TCU
B The Chargers apparently were big fans of the TCU receiving corps. Derius Davis is extremely fast and should be used in the slot at the next level. The Chargers needed to revamp the receiving corps, so this pick makes sense.
B The Chargers apparently were big fans of the TCU receiving corps. Derius Davis is extremely fast and should be used in the slot at the next level. The Chargers needed to revamp the receiving corps, so this pick makes sense.
2023
Pick 156. (R:5 P:21) - Jordan McFadden, G, Clemson
A- I had Jordan McFadden in the fourth round, so I like this value. The need also makes sense, as the Chargers had to find better interior line depth. Jordan McFadden played tackle at Clemson, but will probably have to move inside due to athleticism limitations.
A- I had Jordan McFadden in the fourth round, so I like this value. The need also makes sense, as the Chargers had to find better interior line depth. Jordan McFadden played tackle at Clemson, but will probably have to move inside due to athleticism limitations.
2023
Pick 200. (R:6 P:23) - Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State
C The Chargers needed help at defensive tackle, but that's not anything new. Scott Matlock has some upside as a pass rusher, but he's going to get pushed around in run support. I didn't have him in any of my mocks.
C The Chargers needed help at defensive tackle, but that's not anything new. Scott Matlock has some upside as a pass rusher, but he's going to get pushed around in run support. I didn't have him in any of my mocks.
2023
Pick 239. (R:7 P:22) -
Max Duggan, QB, TCU
A Max Duggan is another prospect who easily could have gone much earlier than this. Max Duggan has no elite traits, but he's an accurate quarterback who can scramble. He has good potential to be a career No. 2 quarterback.
A Max Duggan is another prospect who easily could have gone much earlier than this. Max Duggan has no elite traits, but he's an accurate quarterback who can scramble. He has good potential to be a career No. 2 quarterback.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 17. (R:1 P:17) -
Zion Johnson, G, Boston College
C- Grade
I like Zion Johnson more than Kenyon Green, but I'm not a fan of this pick. The Chargers had a much bigger need at tackle, and Trevor Penning was available. Jermaine Johnson would've been an excellent pick as well. This selection has little value and doesn't fill the biggest need. Not good.
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C- Grade
I like Zion Johnson more than Kenyon Green, but I'm not a fan of this pick. The Chargers had a much bigger need at tackle, and Trevor Penning was available. Jermaine Johnson would've been an excellent pick as well. This selection has little value and doesn't fill the biggest need. Not good.
Follow @walterfootball for updates. Also, you can Support Us on Patreon here!
Also, if you'd like to support the site, check out my book! It's available on Amazon, and it's called A Safety and a Field Goal.
Take a look:
You can buy it here. It has some NFL Draft-related topics, so like I said, if you want to support the site, this is a great way to do it!
2022
Pick 79. (R:3 P:15) - J.T. Woods, S, Baylor
D Grade
I expected better from Tom Telesco in the third round. I had J.T. Woods as a fifth-round prospect. He doesn't fill much of a need either. I get adding secondary help because of all the great quarterbacks in the division, but edge rush or cornerback would've made much more sense, especially if that prospect happened to belong in the third-round range!
D Grade
I expected better from Tom Telesco in the third round. I had J.T. Woods as a fifth-round prospect. He doesn't fill much of a need either. I get adding secondary help because of all the great quarterbacks in the division, but edge rush or cornerback would've made much more sense, especially if that prospect happened to belong in the third-round range!
2022
Pick 123. (R:4 P:18) -
Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M
A- Grade
I didn't think running back was atop the Chargers' needs list, but I can't blame them for not passing on a talented running back like Isaiah Spiller. I thought Spiller should've been chosen a round earlier, so I love this value San Angeles is getting with someone who will provide good insurance for Austin Ekeler.
A- Grade
I didn't think running back was atop the Chargers' needs list, but I can't blame them for not passing on a talented running back like Isaiah Spiller. I thought Spiller should've been chosen a round earlier, so I love this value San Angeles is getting with someone who will provide good insurance for Austin Ekeler.
2022
Pick 160. (R:5 P:17) - Otito Ogbonnia, NT, UCLA
A- Grade
People thought the Chargers would select a monstrous nose tackle to help them improve their woeful run defense earlier than this, but better late than never. Otito Ogbonnia is a solid value in this range, and he projects to fill a big need.
A- Grade
People thought the Chargers would select a monstrous nose tackle to help them improve their woeful run defense earlier than this, but better late than never. Otito Ogbonnia is a solid value in this range, and he projects to fill a big need.
2022
Pick 195. (R:6 P:16) -
Jamaree Salyer, G, Georgia
A Grade
What took Jamaree Salyer so long to come off the board? I had him in the third- or fourth-round range. He played tackle at Georgia, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. Still, Salyer could have some versatility, and he provides great value for the Chargers.
A Grade
What took Jamaree Salyer so long to come off the board? I had him in the third- or fourth-round range. He played tackle at Georgia, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. Still, Salyer could have some versatility, and he provides great value for the Chargers.
2022
Pick 215. (R:6 P:36) - Lecitus Smith, G, Virginia Tech
B+ Grade
I mocked Lecitus Smith to the Cardinals at No. 201, so I like the fit. It's a nice touch of value, and this pick potentially fills a need. Arizona needed as many blockers as possible to make sure Kyler Murray lasts a full season for once.
B+ Grade
I mocked Lecitus Smith to the Cardinals at No. 201, so I like the fit. It's a nice touch of value, and this pick potentially fills a need. Arizona needed as many blockers as possible to make sure Kyler Murray lasts a full season for once.
2022
Pick 237. (R:7 P:16) - Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State
A Grade
Chase Lucas was in the second round of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft once upon a time. He doesn't have big upside, but he was a productive player at Arizona State, and I thought he would be chosen in the fifth frame. This seems like a good value at a position of need.
A Grade
Chase Lucas was in the second round of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft once upon a time. He doesn't have big upside, but he was a productive player at Arizona State, and I thought he would be chosen in the fifth frame. This seems like a good value at a position of need.
2022
Pick 255. (R:7 P:34) - Trenton Gill, P, N.C. State
B Grade
Though punters are demonic abominations, they are worth picking in the seventh round as opposed to the fourth frame. I'm fine with this selection, though it's not very exciting.
B Grade
Though punters are demonic abominations, they are worth picking in the seventh round as opposed to the fourth frame. I'm fine with this selection, though it's not very exciting.
2022
Pick 256. (R:7 P:35) - Jesse Luketa, LB, Penn State
A Grade
This is another great value pick in the seventh round. I had Jesse Luketa pegged in the fifth frame. He potentially fills a need as well, given that Chandler Jones departed this offseason.
A Grade
This is another great value pick in the seventh round. I had Jesse Luketa pegged in the fifth frame. He potentially fills a need as well, given that Chandler Jones departed this offseason.
2022
Pick 260. (R:7 P:39) - Zander Horvath, FB, Purdue
B Grade
I'm not opposed to the Chargers closing out their draft class with a fullback with the antepenultimate pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Austin Ekeler and the rest of the backs will be happy about this.
B Grade
I'm not opposed to the Chargers closing out their draft class with a fullback with the antepenultimate pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Austin Ekeler and the rest of the backs will be happy about this.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 13. (R:1 P:13) -
Rashawn Slater, G, Northwestern
A- Grade
I'm all for improving the offensive line, especially when the quarterback is very young. The Chargers did a good job of this earlier in the offseason, but they weren't done. They needed a left tackle, and Rashawn Slater seems like a great fit. The one concern teams had with Slater is his lacking length. Some teams believed he would have to play guard or center. That said, plenty of successful tackles have had Slater's issue, so I'm in the camp that he can succeed at the position.
A- Grade
I'm all for improving the offensive line, especially when the quarterback is very young. The Chargers did a good job of this earlier in the offseason, but they weren't done. They needed a left tackle, and Rashawn Slater seems like a great fit. The one concern teams had with Slater is his lacking length. Some teams believed he would have to play guard or center. That said, plenty of successful tackles have had Slater's issue, so I'm in the camp that he can succeed at the position.
2021
Pick 47. (R:2 P:15) -
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
C Grade
The Chargers lost Casey Hayward this offseason, so they had to replace him. However, I think this is a bit high for Asante Samuel Jr. He's short and slow, which is not a good combination for an NFL cornerback. I think this is a bit early for him, but I don't hate the pick.
C Grade
The Chargers lost Casey Hayward this offseason, so they had to replace him. However, I think this is a bit high for Asante Samuel Jr. He's short and slow, which is not a good combination for an NFL cornerback. I think this is a bit early for him, but I don't hate the pick.
2021
Pick 77. (R:3 P:13) - Josh Palmer, WR, Tennessee
D Grade
Not a fan. The Chargers are making a reach here with Josh Palmer, who I had pegged in the fifth or sixth round. Palmer is a big receiver, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to separate from NFL cornerbacks.
D Grade
Not a fan. The Chargers are making a reach here with Josh Palmer, who I had pegged in the fifth or sixth round. Palmer is a big receiver, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to separate from NFL cornerbacks.
2021
Pick 97. (R:3 P:33) -
Tre' McKitty, TE, Georgia
A- Grade
I mocked Tre McKitty to the Chargers in this spot, so I think this pick makes so much sense. The Chargers lost Hunter Henry in free agency, and McKitty projects as a dynamic pass-catcher once he gains some experience. McKitty needs to get stronger, but the upside is certainly there.
A- Grade
I mocked Tre McKitty to the Chargers in this spot, so I think this pick makes so much sense. The Chargers lost Hunter Henry in free agency, and McKitty projects as a dynamic pass-catcher once he gains some experience. McKitty needs to get stronger, but the upside is certainly there.
2021
Pick 118. (R:4 P:13) - Chris Rumph, , Duke
C Grade
The Chargers lost Melvin Ingram, so it's not a surprise that they obtained a pass rusher. Rumph is undersized, however, so I thought he would go later on Day 3. I like getting a player who can get after Patrick Mahomes, but the value isn't there.
C Grade
The Chargers lost Melvin Ingram, so it's not a surprise that they obtained a pass rusher. Rumph is undersized, however, so I thought he would go later on Day 3. I like getting a player who can get after Patrick Mahomes, but the value isn't there.
2021
Pick 159. (R:5 P:15) - Brenden Jaimes, OT, Nebraska
C Grade
Brenden Jaimes is a good athlete for a tackle, but the problem is that he's a tweener. He's not lengthy enough to be a tackle, and he doesn't seem to be strong enough to be a guard. I'm not sure where he fits in with the Chargers.
C Grade
Brenden Jaimes is a good athlete for a tackle, but the problem is that he's a tweener. He's not lengthy enough to be a tackle, and he doesn't seem to be strong enough to be a guard. I'm not sure where he fits in with the Chargers.
2021 Los Angeles Chargers - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 198. (R:6 P:14) -
Larry Rountree, RB, Missouri
A- Grade
Take note, Steelers and Jaguars: A team that needed a running back waited until the sixth round to acquire one. The Chargers had to find a complement for Austin Ekeler, and Larry Rountree is a nice value pick as someone who could have been chosen a round earlier.
A- Grade
Take note, Steelers and Jaguars: A team that needed a running back waited until the sixth round to acquire one. The Chargers had to find a complement for Austin Ekeler, and Larry Rountree is a nice value pick as someone who could have been chosen a round earlier.
2021
Pick 241. (R:7 P:13) - Mark Webb, CB, Georgia
B Grade
Mark Webb has nice size and ball skills, but there are some major speed concerns. Those weren't answered by his 4.61 40-yard dash. Still, it makes sense to take him in the seventh round in case those issues don't end up being a big deal.
B Grade
Mark Webb has nice size and ball skills, but there are some major speed concerns. Those weren't answered by his 4.61 40-yard dash. Still, it makes sense to take him in the seventh round in case those issues don't end up being a big deal.