With the first wave of free agency behind them, many teams have shifted their focus entirely to the draft.
While the Los Angeles Chargers will still add players before the season starts, they are heavily concentrating on draft preparations.
Last year’s second-round pick, Ladd McConkey, emerged as arguably the best rookie receiver, surpassing 1,000 yards—a crucial boost for a receiving corps that struggled beyond him.
With longtime edge rusher Joey Bosa no longer on the roster, the Chargers have significant needs along the defensive line.
If they follow the direction of a recent mock draft, they could effectively address both areas next month.
Jamaree Caldwell
Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports predicts that the team will take Jamaree Caldwell in the third round of next month’s draft.
In 2023, the defensive tackle showed flashes of dominance, but his performance dipped significantly this past season, as he failed to record a single sack in 14 games.
Had Caldwell entered the draft after his standout 2023 campaign, he likely would have been a second-round pick at minimum. However, his recent struggles could work in the Chargers’ favor, making it more likely that the Oregon product falls to them.
Los Angeles lost defensive tackle Poona Ford early in free agency, and given Ford’s budget-friendly contract last season, the team needed an affordable replacement.
With his untapped upside, Caldwell fits the bill perfectly.
Tez Johnson
We’ve discussed the Chargers’ pressing need for receiver help, and Luke Easterling projects that they will address it by selecting Tez Johnson.
The Oregon wideout is a dangerous deep threat with elite speed and agility, capable of turning any play into a big gain. Despite his smaller frame, Johnson isn’t afraid of contact and plays with impressive toughness.
An All-Big Ten performer, Johnson combines the quick-twitch elusiveness of Tyreek Hill with the physical resilience of DeVonta Smith.
He would be an ideal successor to Quentin Johnston, who shares a similar play style but has struggled with drops throughout his career.
Adding Johnson would give the Chargers the dynamic playmaker they desperately need on offense.
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