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NFL Mock Draft Has Chargers Making Colossal Mistake

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Chris Roling | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 6:30 PM ET

Few would complain if the Los Angeles Chargers used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman to help out Justin Herbert.

The Chargers’ shortcomings around Herbert have been a topic of discussion since the day he entered the league and have yet to cease under Jim Harbaugh.

So, grabbing a starting-caliber player in the first round this year to pair with new starting center Tyler Biadasz would end up as one of the most well-reviewed happenings of this year’s draft.

That’s especially the case, considering the bonus it would provide to the Mike McDaniel's arrival. He’s overhauling the scheme, which has been reflected in every single move with the offensive line so far. A first-round rookie means he had input there, too, and thinks he’s putting the offense in the best possible place to succeed before the season starts.

But if the Chargers are going to take offensive line Round 1, they need to avoid a few landmines.

NFL mock draft has Chargers taking a gamble

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The Chargers don’t avoid one of those landmines in a new mock draft.

Said mock draft comes from ESPN’s Peter Schrager, who has the Chargers taking Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller:

“Miller started every single game over his four years with Clemson (54 starts). And for an offensive line that was ravaged by injuries last season, taking the quintessential iron man of this tackle class at No. 22 makes sense. Miller could provide depth behind Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, and even slide inside to guard.”

One can see the problem just by reading the description.

The Chargers could use better swing offensive tackle depth, or at least more of it. Trey Pipkins is one of the better guys in the league at that, as is.

But taking a tackle Round 1 on a roster that already has Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater seems like a waste of resources. Sliding a tackle into a guard spot isn’t this cut and dry.

In this mock scenario, the Chargers could easily just take someone like Emmanuel Pregnon, a proven guard who can start right away, and call it a day.

Who knows? This sort of thing could work. Miller is likely to be a fine pro. But it reeks of taking an unnecessary risk, which is the sort of thing the Chargers shouldn’t be doing in front of Herbert right now.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Chargers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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