The Los Angeles Chargers will draft their next crop of young players beginning on Thursday April 24th in the NFL Draft.
The Chargers hold 10 picks in this year's draft, and according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, they are looking to bolster the offensive side of the ball with nearly half of their picks.
Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka of Ohio State is projected to be the No. 22 overall pick.
The Chargers desperately need to improve their wide receiver room. Justin Herbert had an efficient 2024 season and Ladd McConkey came into his own after a historic rookie season. Apart from Herbert and McConkey, the Chargers lacked consistent contributors in the passing game. Egbuka, after four-years, leaves Ohio State as the leader in career receptions (205), second in receiving yards (2,868) and seventh in touchdown receptions (24). Egbuka possesses excellent ability to track the ball and adjust to it, while having great hands and catch radius. Additionally, he has great Football IQ and route running ability out of the slot.
While the Chargers could have other options at No. 22 for first-round talent, Egbuka is a solid and much needed option to strengthen the passing game.
Guard Tate Ratledge of Georgia is projected to be the No. 55 overall pick.
Los Angeles churned out a lackluster offseason, thus far, and have yet to fully improve the offensive line. Justin Herbert was sacked 41 times last season, which was seventh most. Ratledge brings the ability to move defenders and control them due to his strength and powerful hands. He also strives in pass protection by protecting the pocket with contact power and his movement. Additionally, he brings an edge to the position and describes himself as a “dirtbag.” Ratledge, if he can remain healthy, will be a sustainable and efficient starter for the Chargers.
Tight End Mitchell Evans of Notre Dame is projected to be the No. 158 overall pick.
As mentioned earlier, the Chargers are lacking weapons in the passing game. Los Angeles did acquire tight end Tyler Conklin in the offseason, but he is not an option that will stretch out a defense. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 34th out of 37 tight ends in 2024. Conklin could evolve into a great short yardage tight end, but the Chargers need a down field weapon. Evans has the ability to find and exploit the open areas of the field. Furthermore, he has great hands and physicality to fight through catches and defenders. Evans played in an offense that was run-heavy, which means he is physical and competitive with his run blocking.
Running Back Brashard Smith of SMU is projected to be the No. 181 overall pick
Los Angeles has found its running back for the foreseeable future after signing Najee Harris in free agency. Harris is a reliable and consistent option for the Chargers, as he cranked out four-straight 1,000 yard seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith is a former wide receiver who converted to running back. He is not a punishing running back, but he is elusive and quick when running through the first two levels. His speed and hands makes him a dynamic option in the passing game when coming out of the back field, or even in the slot. Additionally, he returned kick-offs and punts in college which can make him a versatile special teams option as well.
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