The anticipation for the Chargers’ mock draft has been building unofficially since Justin Herbert’s season-ending injury, and now it’s officially time to delve into it. With the conclusion of the 2023 season, every team is now focused on improvement and gearing up to compete for the Lombardi Trophy in 2024.
The Los Angeles Chargers experienced underachievement last year, prompting significant changes with a new head coach and general manager. While Jim Harbaugh and his team will require time to reshape the roster according to their vision, the crucial step towards building a consistently successful team lies in making astute choices in the NFL Draft. With numerous gaps to address, Mike Kashuba’s latest mock draft has the Chargers selecting LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers as the initial step in their retooling process.
In the latest mock draft, the Los Angeles Chargers secure a standout playmaker in Malik Nabers. Nabers possesses a versatile skill set that would typically make him the undisputed top receiver in any other draft year. However, with Marvin Harrison also entering the draft, Nabers settles for being the second-best wide receiver in this mock draft.
Malik Nabers is LEGIT 🙌
pic.twitter.com/7lla3Hqr8F— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 16, 2024
Nabers is renowned for his ability to excel in various facets of the game. Endowed with exceptional athletic abilities and possessing a prototypical physique, the 20-year-old wideout showcases exceptional route-running skills, enabling him to create separation against different coverages. Even when tightly covered, Nabers demonstrates impressive size and ball-handling prowess, enabling him to secure contested catches.
If there’s any minor critique of Malik Nabers (and it’s indeed minor), it’s his limited route tree. Similar to Mike Evans, Nabers exhibits the capability to consistently find openings, although he doesn’t execute a full route tree. Additionally, while he boasts good straight-line speed, it’s not exceptional, and he may not effortlessly outrun defenders.
However, these nuances aside, Malik Nabers possesses the attributes necessary to make an immediate impact on any team that drafts him. Kashuba’s mock draft suggests that the Chargers will be the fortunate recipients of Nabers’ talents, but does this selection align with the team’s needs?
Presently, the Los Angeles Chargers boast two reliable receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, alongside former first-round pick Quentin Johnston. However, Allen and Williams face uncertainties regarding their futures due to potential cap implications, while Johnston has yet to demonstrate consistent contributions. Consequently, the mock draft correctly identifies wide receiver as a significant requirement for the Chargers. Given the age and injury concerns surrounding Allen and Williams, coupled with the lack of reliable depth, addressing this position is imperative.
While some may advocate for a tight end like Brock Bowers, it’s worth noting that tight ends typically require more time to acclimate to the NFL, whereas wide receivers are often capable of making an immediate impact. Additionally, although Kashuba’s mock draft does not incorporate trades, it’s plausible for the Chargers to consider trading back in the actual NFL Draft, especially considering their numerous needs on both offense and defense.
