Way-too-early Los Angeles Chargers 2023 NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon. (Picks 1-18 are locked in.)

2022 record: 10-7 | Projected first-round pick: No. 25 | Team needs: S, LB, Offensive line

Snapshot: The Chargers are a playoff team, but they remain a step behind the Chiefs in the AFC West. Los Angeles' defense ranked 21st in total defense, and the Chargers struggled to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who was sacked 38 times in 17 starts, tied for seventh among QBs. 

Potential first-round picks: Brian Branch, S, Alabama; Drew Sanders, ILB, Arkansas; Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma

Los Angeles ranked 28th in run defense this season, and Branch's premier skill is stuffing the run, so this seems like a great marriage. According to Pro Football Focus, his 90.7 run grade was the best among all college safeties. Also per PFF, Branch only missed four tackles on 173 attempts in his college career. 

The Chargers are thin at inside linebacker. They might be interested in pending free agents Drue Tranquil and Kyle Van Noy to fill the void. If they want to spend a first-round pick for the role, Sanders could be the man. He is a tenacious pass rusher, having 9.5 sacks in 12 games in 2022.

Los Angeles also must strengthen its O-line. Herbert has been sacked 101 times in three seasons — eighth most during that timespan. 

Oklahoma has produced elite offensive line talent such as Pro Bowl tackles Orlando Brown Jr. (Chiefs) and Trent Williams (49ers). Could Harrison be next in line? He made first-team All-Big 12 in 2022 and only allowed nine pressures on 447 pass-blocking snaps this season, per PFF. 

"You see the natural athleticism in every pass set he takes, even if his technique isn’t quite dialed in yet," PFF wrote about its 30th-ranked prospect.