Chargers Select Uber-Talented Pass Catcher in Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Draft
By Jovan Alford
The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off an ugly 2023 season that saw them lose multiple players to injury and fire head coach Brandon Staley before the year ended. The Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the league, but they failed to put it together.
Los Angeles will now look toward a pivotal offseason where they have a ton of decisions on the roster. The Chargers might have to make some tough veteran cuts and will likely have to fill those spots in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles has an astounding eight picks in this spring draft, including a top-5 selection in the first round. Last year, the Chargers took former TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston at No. 21 overall in the first round, which seemed like the perfect pick on paper.
However, Johnston didn’t live up to expectations in Year One, only producing 38 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. dropped his first mock draft earlier this week and has Los Angeles grabbing another playmaker in the first round.
So much can change over the next few months, but this is how I see the top five picks in April as of now. https://t.co/bMrNhPhRC6 pic.twitter.com/uCcv3qjxUp
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) January 24, 2024
Chargers Rumors: Los Angeles Takes Best Player Available at No. 5 in NFL Mock Draft
In his first mock draft (subscription required), Kiper has Los Angeles selecting Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers.
The long-time draft analyst said the Chargers have a lot of questions and mentions edge rusher, cornerback, offensive line, and wide receiver as positions of need. However, Kiper likes Bowers at No. 5, especially with veteran tight end Gerald Everett set to hit free agency.
Bowers has been one of the best offensive players in college football over the last three years, scoring 26 touchdowns. This past season with the Bulldogs, the 6-foot-4 pass catcher recorded 56 receptions for 714 yards and six touchdowns.
Bowers burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2021, posting 56 receptions for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 tight end played a huge role in Georgia’s back-to-back national titles and could be an immediate playmaker next season in Los Angeles.
Everett played exceptionally well this season with Los Angeles (51 receptions for 411 yards and three touchdowns). Bowers’ athleticism and ability to get yards after the catch, make him a tough cover on Sundays.
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