3-round Chargers 2023 mock Draft: End-of the Year Edition
The Chargers’ 2022 season is now over, so all the focus shifts to the offseason, where Los Angeles will look to reconstruct their roster to add the necessary pieces to make a deeper run next season.
L.A. will be the No. 21 overall selection in Round 1 and all seven picks.
With that in mind, here’s our first mock draft of the 2023 off-season.
Round 1, No. 21, WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
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The Chargers are missing one element that would maximize quarterback Justin Herbert’s talents: speed.
Hyatt, who is the reigning Biletnikoff Awards recipient, has an incredible 4.2 speed. He used to beat SEC defenders regularly. He is also an excellent catcher and has exceptional ball-tracking skills.
Hyatt caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He averaged 18.9 yards per catch, ranking 13th in America, and had 14 catches of balls at least 20 feet downfield, tied fourth.
Herbert’s 6.8 yards per attempt ranked 26th in the NFL in 2022, and Hyatt’s downfield ability would help turn that around toward the top of the league.
Round 2, No. 54, TE Dalton Kincaid (Utah)
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With the selection of Kincaid Round 2, the Chargers give Herbert more weapons to ensure his success.
Kincaid is an excellent pass-catcher, has good route running skills, can catch after the catch, and has a toughness to win and catch crowded catch points. Kincaid is also consistent in pass protection and willing to block in run play.
In his four years with the Utes, Kincaid accumulated 103 receptions for 1375 yard and 16 touchdowns. His best season came in his senior campaign where he amassed an impressive 890 yards from 70 catches.
Given Donald Parham’s lingering injury concerns and Tre’ McKitty not providing much value in his first two seasons, Kincaid would supply the tight end room with a complete player at the position from Day 1.
Round 3, No. 85, EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State
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Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack’s time on the field in their first year together was short-lived. Bosa was out so the pass rush output from the edge defense group was poor. The Chargers need to address this position in the offseason.
Hampton exudes elite athleticism. He’s a speed rusher with a quick first step who also boasts impressive power with his length (34-inch arms). Hampton is a pass-rush specialist with active hands, the ability to break through blockers and the burst that allows him to close on opponents.
Hampton amassed 175 tackles, 40 tackles loss, 26.5sacks, 11 passes defense, seven forced throws, 134 quarterback pressures, 101 run stops, and racked up 46 career games.