The Chargers are a few pieces away from being right near the top of the list of NFL contenders. This NFL Draft has a lot of those pieces. Here, the Chargers get all of the pieces necessary to set themselves up for the future. We also mock them to swing a big trade with the Indianapolis Colts to move up and take a generational talent.
TRADE:
IND Receives: 2025 pick 22, 2026 Round 3, EDGE Joey Bosa, DL Otito Ogbonnia
LAC Receives: 2025 Pick 14, DL Raekwon Davis
This trade sets the Chargers up perfectly for the future. They get rid of Joey Bosa’s contract in the process of trading up. Since they also acquire standout DT Raekwon Davis, their biggest defensive need quickly shifts from IDL to EDGE. The Colts also acquire young DL Otito Ogbonnia to develop along with whoever they take in the draft to fill the hole Davis left. Now, the Chargers’ focus shifts to the middle of the pack when it comes to first-round talent rather than fringe day one players.
With the acquisition of Davis, the Chargers can scratch DT off of their needs list. They get a guy who was at the top end of players at his position last season and is still only 27. Davis should thrive in the role Poona Ford played last season, and another veteran signing to help the comp pick machine set up by Joe Hortiz would make the interior defense elite. The Colts bolster their pass rush with the acquisition of Joey Bosa, and likely take a defensive lineman in the first round to replace Davis, who is slated to be a free agent in 2026.
Round 1, Pick 14: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
After the trade, the Chargers address another of their biggest needs at Tight End. Tyler Warren is a do-it-all type of player, playing snaps at Fullback, lining up out wide or even getting under center for some QB sneaks. He is essentially Taysom Hill on steroids and he would be a great fit for a Head Coach who just turned one of his defensive tackles into a big offensive piece in Scott Matlock. Jim Harbaugh would find millions of ways to use Warren in this offense, and he would be Justin Herbert’s best option at Tight End since his rookie year when he was throwing to Hunter Henry. Warren is also a solid run blocker, providing depth to his game that makes it hard to not have him on the field at any given time. If the Chargers retain Will Dissly, they will have two great blocking TEs who can also get a catch when they need to.
Round 2, Pick 55: EDGE Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Landon Jackson has progressed a long way since his days as an internet meme doing drills. In his junior and senior years at Arkansas, he tallied up 93 tackles, 24 TFLs, and 13 sacks. Since the Chargers part ways with Joey Bosa, EDGE becomes a glaring need with Khalil Mack’s future in question. Jackson would be an amazing piece to put next to Tuli Tuipulotu for the long term future. Bringing Khalil Mack back to the team should be the number one priority this offseason. Even if he does come back, however, he doesn’t have much time left in his career. That is why taking a successor for the future Hall of Famer is just as important as bringing the man himself back. Landon Jackson won’t be able to fill Mack’s shoes, but he will likely be a great talent in this league that the Chargers will benefit from taking here in the second round.
Round 3, Pick 86: RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins was one of the best RBs in the nation throughout his college career. He broke onto the scene as a freshman leading the SEC with 1567 rushing yards for Ole Miss. Judkins went for over 1000 yards every season he played. Judkins also led the run game on an Ohio State team that went on to win the National Championship. His elusiveness would provide a J.K. Dobbins-like piece to the run game that won’t cost as much and has a higher ceiling. A run-first team requires a great running back. The Eagles have Saquon, the Ravens have Derrick Henry, the Lions have Jahmyr Gibbs, and the Chargers could have Quinshon Judkins.
Round 4, Pick 124: LB Chris Paul Jr, Ole Miss
The Chargers already have their franchise linebacker in Daiyan Henley, and they can get his partner in crime in the fourth round here. Henley broke onto the scene last year as one of the Chargers’ best defensive players. The other starting LB on that roster was Denzel Perryman, who is aging. Junior Colson is still on the team and could do what Henley did last year, but it is still worth getting another guy to fill out that position. Chris Paul Jr. was one of the staples of an elite Ole Miss defense. He finished the year with 88 tackles, something that would be much appreciated for any team, including the Chargers. In an ideal world, Daiyan Henley and Chris Paul Jr. would hold down the LB position in LA for years to come.
Round 5, Pick 159: OL Miles Frazier, LSU
It is no secret that the Chargers need help on the interior Offensive Line. With one of the best tackle duos in the league, the Line was near the middle of the pack as a whole. With that in mind, it can be assumed that they will upgrade that position in Free Agency. However, it is also important to take a chance on a player in the draft to at least provide depth. Miles Frazier didn’t allow a single sack this past season and only four in his time at LSU. What Justin Herbert needs is protection on the inside. If the Chargers truly want to build the wall they say they do, picking up Miles Frazier would be great.