Chargers Secure Top Talent: Penn State Lineman Joins the Roster

The Chargers have kept a low profile this offseason, avoiding any major headline-grabbing moves.

However, they made strategic choices by signing center Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange to assume starting roles, and they also secured the return of veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack.

Nevertheless, there’s still work to be done on the offensive line after losing guard Zion Johnson to free agency, creating a significant gap that needs to be filled.

Additionally, the team has other areas to address, including wide receiver, defensive line, and secondary positions.

Here’s a look at how the Chargers might approach the first three rounds of the draft:

Round 1 , No. 22

Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

In our previous mock draft, we had the Chargers rolling with a wide receiver at this pick in Washington’s Denzel Boston. That could still be the case, but after consulting with NFL people, a surprising development could take place on draft night, with arguably the best interior offensive lineman falling to the Chargers.

It’s a position of need, no doubt, but one that the club was likely looking at in the second round to address.

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But drafts always take on a life of their own, and in this case, situations and decisions earlier in the first round have Ioane falling into their laps. He not only covers an important base but he also does so at a high level to provide an immediate upgrade.

Ioane will add ruggedness and punch to their run game, a staple of Jim Harbaugh’s offensive vision. But he’ll also mesh perfectly with a rebuilt Chargers offensive line, including the return of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, both of whom missed significant time last year with injuries.

Round 2, No. 55

Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

If the Chargers don’t get their guard in the first round, expect them to look that way with their pick in the second round. The draft is loaded with starting-caliber interior offensive linemen, so if they have to wait until Round 2, they will have plenty of options.

Fortunately for them, the board fell perfectly on Day 1, allowing them to grab the best guard in the draft and help set their offensive line in stone.

It also gives them flexibility in Round 2 to fill other needs.

Brazzell II is a big, fast, downfield threat who will complement Ladd McConkey and give Justin Herbert a big-time weapon to utilize.

Brazzell II is a long, fast, electrifying athlete and playmaker who improved during his time in college and still has room for growth. He’ll fit perfectly in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme, and McDaniel is the ideal play designer and caller to create an immediate role for Brazzel II.

Round 3, No. 86

Derrick Moore, Edge, Michigan

After addressing guard and wide receiver in the first two rounds, the Chargers turn to defense in Round 3.

They can go in plenty of directions, with linebacker, cornerback and safety all areas they need to keep an eye on for the present and the future.

Expect them to go the best-player-available route, with defense being the focus, and in this case, a talented young pass rusher with upside is there for the taking.

That fits perfectly with their timeline with veteran edge rusher Mack under contract for just one more season. Not only that, but after trading for Odafe Oweh last season, he was allowed to leave in free agency to the Commanders.

Moore needs work on his run defense, but his pass-rush skill is advanced enough to get on the field early in his rookie season, if not immediately, as a rotational piece with Mack and fellow edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu.

Down the line, Moore can either be the replacement for Mack or a key player in the defensive line rotation. Either way, he represents solid value in the third round.