Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Athletic’s Los Angeles Chargers beat writer, Daniel Popper, published his latest mock draft picking players based on, as Popper wrote, ‘not what they should do. What I think they will do.’ What he calls an ‘Important distinction.’

Los Angeles Chargers Trade Back To Select Troy Fautanu

Popper predicts that the Chargers will trade back from pick five to pick 10 with the New York Jets. The Chargers receive No. 72 in the third round and a 2025 second-round pick. He also thinks that Harbaugh will invest in the offensive line, picking Washington Huskies left tackle Troy Fautanu.

This is what Popper wrote on Fautanu;

“The Chargers move back and take an offensive lineman, which I believe is their ideal scenario. Harbaugh got a close look at Fautanu in the national championship game in January. Fautanu has the potential to play all five positions on the offensive line. Size, length, strength, athleticism. He would compete right away for a starting spot at right guard or right tackle.”

Chargers Draft WR in 3rd Round

He then has the Los Angeles Chargers taking a wide receiver with their newly acquired third-round pick. Popper goes with Devontez Walker, the big speedy receiver out of North Carolina. He has them waiting till the third round to address what could be seen as the biggest roster need. But as Popper puts it;

“..the Chargers have made it clear they are going to be prioritizing the running game on offense, and I think that will be reflected in how they use their early selections.”

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Late goal sends Panthers to Eastern Conference Finals
Ex-teammate of Shohei Ohtani placed bets with same illegal bookmaker as interpreter 
Former Rams first-round pick retires from NFL after 11 seasons
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7

Want more Chargers news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.