Analysts make their final predictions on what the Chargers will do with their first-round pick.
The 2023 NFL draft is a little over 24 hours away, and the final predictions are coming out leading up to the big event.
Here’s the final mock draft roundup as analysts make their picks for the Chargers:
NFL.com’s Charles Davis: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College
Analysis: “Every time I watched him play I was more impressed, and I’m sure that no one played harder snap to snap. Justin Herbert is thrilled to team up with this tough, dynamic playmaker.”
NFL.com’s Peter Schrager: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Analysis: “Another offensive weapon for Justin Herbert. Mayer is a fine all-around tight end prospect. He’s not as explosive as, say, Kyle Pitts, but he’s still a highly regarded pass catcher. Not to mention, he can pass block and loves to road grade in the run game. Bottom line: The Notre Dame product can play right away in an NFL offense.”
CBS Sports’ Will Brinson: WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Analysis: “Do not sleep on where the Chargers are at wide receiver right now with respect to these contracts — they need more bodies there, and GM Tom Telesco isn’t scared to dip into the UT talent pool.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller: RB Bijan Robinson, Texas
Analysis: ” Finding a landing spot for my No. 3 overall player is tough. Which team will value talent over positional value? A general manager I spoke with said, “The Eagles [at No. 10] make sense, but I could see him sliding to the early 20s.” I projected the latter, with Robinson’s wait ending with the Chargers landing a potential replacement for Austin Ekeler, who recently requested a trade. Robinson is a three-down, do-it-all back who can very quickly be the best in the NFL.”
Pro Football Focus’ Timo Riske: CB Deonte Banks, Maryland
Analysis: “The Chargers are in an all-in year in 2023, and Deonte Banks fits the bill. He plays a premium position, is available at board value and can contribute right away — even in a miraculously healthy Chargers team.”
ESPN’s Lindsy Thiry: TE Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Analysis: “The Chargers are on the verge of signing quarterback Justin Herbert to a massive extension, so it only makes sense to ensure that they surround their franchise player with targets. An argument can be made for a speedy wide receiver, but tight end is a position of need and Mayer fits the bill.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper & Todd McShay: WR Jordan Addison, USC
Analysis: “Addison would mesh well with the skill sets of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in L.A., likely playing mostly in the slot. He is the best route runner of the wideouts in this class.”
Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan: WR Jordan Addison, USC
Analysis: “Jordan Addison is likely going to be graded higher on most draft boards because of his positional versatility (can play inside or outside) and his hands over Johnston, which is why he fits in with the Chargers here.”
Pro Football Talk’s Peter King: WR Jordan Addison, USC
Analysis: “The East Coast kid strayed from his comfort zone in 2022, transferring to USC after winning the Biletnikoff Award (best receiver in college football) at Pitt in 2021, catching 100 balls. Then, with a ton of attention on him at USC, he caught 59 balls in a totally different offense. Mentally and physically tough, and versatile; played 60 percent in the slot and the rest outside in three college seasons.”
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer: TE Dalton Kincaid
Analysis: “Kincaid’s dynamic in the passing game, and would only further complicate the problem defenses have dealing with the oak trees the Chargers have at receiver, in Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. I do think trading up for Robinson, or taking a receiver (I’ve heard they like Boston College’s Zay Flowers) to get a year ahead of a need, would make sense too. But Kincaid is a very good fit for what new coordinator Kellen Moore is looking to build on offense.”
