So, what’s changed since our way, way too early mock draft back in February?
Nothing.
Everything.
But mostly nothing.
In February, Joe Hortiz had plenty of options going into his second NFL draft as the Chargers’ general manager, and he still does. Free agency, especially the re-signing of future Hall of Fame outside linebacker Khalil Mack, might have altered Hortiz’s approach slightly going into the draft.
But only slightly.
The draft is April 24-25-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Hortiz’s success in free agency, without breaking team owner Dean Spanos’ piggy bank, will allow the Chargers to pursue franchise building blocks. If free agency represented short-term goals met, the draft features longer-term solutions.
For instance, the Chargers could use a playmaking tight end to give quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon in the seasons to come. Or perhaps the Chargers would be wise to draft a hard-nosed running back to take some of the burden off Herbert’s shoulders and diversify the offense.
Or maybe the Chargers would be wise to find an heir apparent for Mack, a pass-rushing demon who could replace the 34-year-old, nine-time Pro Bowl selection, who was the NFL’s defensive player of the year while with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2016. There are other defensive options, too.
Defensive backs are like relief pitchers in baseball. You can never have too many reliable ones, players who come through during seemingly endless one-on-one battles. Hortiz could land a playmaking cornerback or safety who could team with Derwin James Jr., and make life rough for opposing offenses.
It’s always good to have options and, after free agency, Hortiz has plenty of them.
Here’s another look at how the Chargers’ draft might unfold three weeks from now, with assists from Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Network, The Athletic, NFL Mock Draft Database and plenty of guesswork that will likely be futile by April 24-25-26, so don’t go betting the family farm on this:
Round 1 (No. 22 overall)
The pick: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
Measurables: 6-foot-6, 248 pounds
Analysis: Loveland solves one of two pressing offensive needs, namely another playmaker for Herbert. Loveland played for Coach Jim Harbaugh when both were at the University of Michigan, and Harbaugh knows what Loveland can do. Plus, he’s a capable blocker who can help protect Herbert in the pocket. It remains to be seen if Loveland will be available when it’s the Chargers’ turn to pick.
Other options: Alabama OL Tyler Booker, Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka, Michigan DL Kenneth Grant, Ole Miss DL Walter Nolan, Ohio State Edge Jack Sawyer, Texas A&M Edge Shemar Stewart, George Edge Mykel Williams, Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams.
Round 2 (No. 55 overall)
The pick: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 202 pounds
Analysis: Henderson would address pressing offensive need No. 2 for the Chargers, who could play him behind free-agent signee Najee Harris to start his career. Henderson topped 1,000 yards rushing this past season at Ohio State. He could give the Chargers a potentially explosive boost on the ground.
Other options: Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr., Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, LSU TE Mason Taylor, Ole Miss Edge Princely Umanmielen, North Dakota State OL Gray Zabel.
Round 3 (No. 86 overall)
The pick: DT Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Measurables: 6-foot-0 ½, 282 pounds
Analysis: We interrupt the Chargers’ binge on standout offensive playmakers to bring you help in the trenches, a player who makes up for his lack of size with a high-revving motor and a strong work ethic, per scouting reports. Harbaugh might as well hang a sign with “Competitors Welcome” over the practice facility.
Other options: Umanmielen, Fannin, Illinois WR Pat Bryant, Oregon WR Tez Johnson, Utah State WR Jalen Royals, Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo.
Round 4 (No. 125 overall)
The pick: WR Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 191 pounds
Analysis: Two Hokies in a row? It could happen as the Chargers continue their search for another wide receiver to join a group led by newly-signed veteran Mike Williams and breakout standout Ladd McConkey, who broke Keenan Allen’s franchise rookie records for receptions and receiving yards last season.
Other options: Louisville Edge Ashton Gillotte, Central Florida RB RJ Harvey, Colorado State WR Tory Horton, Virginia Tech CB Dorian Strong, Central Arkansas edge rusher David Walker.
Round 5 (No. 158 overall)
The pick: CB O’Donnell Fortune, South Carolina
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Analysis: The Chargers were thin at cornerback after Asante Samuel Jr. was injured early in the season and didn’t return to the field. Two late-round draft picks, Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still, became starters and were far from the Chargers’ biggest worries on defense. Can the Chargers strike it rich again in the late rounds?
Other options: Nebraska CB Tommi Hill, University of Miami RB Damien Martinez, Ohio State OL Seth McLaughlin, Texas Tech OL Caleb Rogers, Missouri WR Theo Wease Jr.
Round 6 (No. 181 overall, from New England)
The pick: DL Tim Smith, Alabama
Measurables: 6-foot-4, 302 pounds
Analysis: This is a selection the Chargers received as part of the deal that sent cornerback J.C. Jackson back to the Patriots in 2023 after he never really panned out after a 2022 trade. Smith had 35 tackles and two sacks in 13 games in the 2024 season for the Crimson Tide.
Other options: Notre Dame DL Rylie Mills, Western Kentucky CB Upton Stout.
Round 6 (199th overall)
The pick: Mills
Measurables: 6-foot-5, 291 pounds
Analysis: In fact, Mills could be the Chargers’ selection with the first of their four sixth-round picks rather than Smith, but either way it’s likely they’ll be looking to load up on defensive linemen as the draft continues with extra picks in the late rounds.
Other options: Smith, Oregon DL Jamaree Caldwell, Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke.
Round 6 (209th overall, compensatory)
The pick: DL Cam Jackson, Florida
Measurables: 6-foot-6, 328 pounds
Analysis: Sense a pattern here? Jackson played in the nose tackle position with the Gators. The scouting reports describe him as a raw talent in need of seasoning.
Other options: North Carolina OL Willie Lampkin, Minnesota LB Cody Lindenberg,
Round 6 (214th overall, compensatory)
The pick: RB Anthony Watkins, Tulsa
Measurables: 5-foot-11, 202 pounds
Analysis: Watkins could give the Chargers additional depth at running back with the added bonus that Watkins is known as an excellent blocker. Pass-blockers are needed, too.
Other options: Minnesota OL Quinn Carroll, Alabama Edge Que Robinson.
Round 7 (255th overall, compensatory)
The pick: DL Yahya Black, Iowa
Measurables: 6-foot-6, 336 pounds
Analysis: Did we mention how much Hortiz likes comp picks? Here’s one with a great name that could give the Chargers a late-round gem with the last of their extra selections for 2025.
Other options: Minnesota OL Quinn Carroll, Memphis QB Seth Henigan.