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Felt like we need a spot for punditry here in the draft forum. Didn’t wanna place this in the Popper hopper either for fear of it getting buried.
Really excited to see Hortiz work this off-season with a pretty sound core and cap room.
Buck,
I have an Athletic sub so I read this already. I know it is very, very early in the process, but I think Popper is off on a few of these prospects and positions.
- There is no way RB should be a round one consideration even if Jeanty was available. This is probably the deepest position group in the class and I guarantee there will be a bunch of talent at this position well into day 3.
- While it is a huge need, I don’t think TE will be a round one target either. I get the connection with Loveland and if he’s even available at #22 he fits the need, but as of now I think there are other positions of more need and some other players that are rising that can be found in later rounds. I also really like exploring Gesicki in FA here.
- IOL does not really have a solid round one player yet, IMO. Membou is gaining steam, but I am not sold he is kicking inside. I think teams will view him as a Tackle. If we are going to convert an OT to OG, I think Milum from WV fits better. Also Grey Zabel from NDSU had a fantastic Senior Bowl playing IOL. He will become a bigger name as the pre draft cycle continues.
- I just got finished watching the limited tape I could find of Revel and I will be putting out his profile next and getting into his fit, but as of right now he is a hard pass. If CB was the choice Barron or Morrison look to be in our range also and I would be satisfied with either of them.
- The DL is another strong position group in this class, so I could see an addition here in Rd1, but I think Ford returns and possibly Tart, so maybe this won’t be an immediate need in April.
- I agree with Popper on Edge. This group needs more juice even if Bosa and/or Mack are back. The group is old and while this class is pretty good, the top talent will be in Rd1. If Pearce or Williams were to slide I could even see a slight trade up for them. If the draft were today, this would be my position to target in Rd1. I would not be sold on Green though. I have not seen enough yet to have him jump from mid day 2 to back half of Rd1. I think the hype is a little to strong right now. Pundits seem to love these traitsy small school guys getting over drafted.
@evolz3737 agree about TB R1. No way would I do that, period.
I’m much more open to TE in R1 than you but only for Warren or Loveland. Herbert needs a weapon at that position. There are a few other possibilities in later rounds but the drop off is noticeable.
I like Zabel, need to look at more film on him but he’s generating buzz. Pretty sure I pointed him out in the small school post I made?
CB1 is a need. Haven’t explored free agent options. Fulton isn’t that guy, not a true shutdown.
I think Poona and Tart should be re-signed IF they’re reasonable contracts. And yeah, I’d possibly double dip here but don’t know that this would be a R1 target.
Agree about Green. I saw some of him at UVA and wasn’t overly impressed. I like Stewart but he’s raw and doesn’t offer as much as a pass rusher and not at 1.22. I think Pearce and Williams are likely gone by 1.22, don’t see the next tier as R1 guys.
Which brings me back to TE…..
@buck-melanoma Damn 22 just seems out of reach of everything we really need the most. Maybe this is a trade up year with all the extra picks? Stewart had a hell if a Senior Bowl week, but I lean more towards production than traits
I’d be on board with Grant at 1.22.
https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/kenneth-grant-wants-play-los-angeles-chargers-jim-harbaugh
Hey @kylededi ….. the link posted!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@buck-melanoma Again, this selection of Grant will depend heavily on FA. If Ford and/or Tart are back, this lessens the need for DT at 1.22. I don’t really see Edge coming in FA and unless both Bosa AND Mack are back Edge is still a major priority. This is why the early tampering period and first days of FA will be fascinating.
@evolz3737 I do get that, and I see DT as one of the deeper draft positions.
BUT….IDL is a need and I can see the Michigan connection being a determinant….much like a Colston pick. Not necessarily favor but more familiarity with coaching a quality player.
@buck-melanoma Agreed. As of now everything outside of QB, LB, K is on the table.
@evolz3737 Very respectfully, If your organizational philosophy is to let Teair Tart block you from drafting a 1st round DT, then your organization is also going to be blocked to ever get a Super Bowl by at least 10 other smarter ones.
I’m hoping the Chargers have moved on from that nonsense with Hortiz and Harbaugh, but that thought process is why they’ve never won a Super Bowl.
@blue-beers Respectfully, I think the success of the Super Bowl has many people salivating for DT talent. If we were in position to draft Mason Graham, then it’s a no brainer even with Tart and/or Ford back. But everyone has to realize that Jalen Carter would have been a top 3 pick if he wasn’t involved in a car crash situation that included a fatality. The best DT in this class is still a step below him. Also, the Eagles edge group has top end players in Sweat and Graham. These visions of top of the draft DT talent at 1.22 are not realistic. Are Grant or Nolen that much better than Harmon or Williams or Sanders that could be available in Rd2? What if they sign Milton Williams along with Ford and Tart? Still hell bent on Grant? My philosophy is to use the draft to get the BPA that fits your needs, unless it is a Jalen Carter or Laremy Tunsil or Derwin James situation where the talent supersedes and needs.
@evolz3737 Agree on Carter, and I’m not saying I’d be hellbent on Grant or that DT at 1.22 is absolutely essential. If there’s a better Edge, I’d be fine with that too. What I am saying though is this roster desperately needs some legit young talent on the DL and I’m not sure if there will be anyone left by 2.55 that can be a real impact player and not just a “decent” rotation piece. I do not think teams can win a Super Bowl in this era with journeymen rotation on the DL. I think it’s absolutely crucial to be able to get home with 4 and collapse the pocket.
We could have the best secondary pieces, and I still don’t think we’d get through playoffs beating the likes of Mahomes, Allen, Burrow and Lamar unless we have a dominant front 4 that can constantly pressure those guys. On the flip side I think a lot of second tier secondary players and linebackers suddenly look a lot better when they play behind dominant lines.
Anyways, if they made a big signing at DT that maybe changes the calculus at 1.22 a bit, but journeymen like Tart should have zero impact IMO.
@blue-beers Agreed. The talent needs an upgrade however you slice it, but 1.22 is going to be tough to see IDL talent meet need because there is only 1 blue chip IDL player this year (Graham) and then the talent level falls to good, not dominant. Now as we get closer to draft day, there’s a good chance Nolen’s or Grant’s stock rise after the pre draft circuit concludes. With so many positions needing an influx of long term talent is the reason I think this team is 2 drafts away from being considered serious SB contenders.
Perhaps the Chargers will look at a late round QB in the draft. Both backups are free agents, correct? But the reasoning here? Pure bullshit. I’d expect better from Athlon but I suppose everyone needs their angle….even if it’s built on crap.
@buck-melanoma This QB class stinks. I wouldn’t even waste a late pick on a developmental guy this year. Just sign Heinecke back for 2 years and if the class is better throughout next year, take a late round stab.
There are several of these guys that have consistently been available ( and some I’ve drafted) in my mocks. Not familiar with the center from Boston College but now I’ll be taking a look. IMO, addressing this position is a huge priority. Can’t overstate that.
This is a pretty fun watch. I like Jeremiah, respect his takes. Stay until the end….I don’t agree with his choice at 1.22 but won’t spoil it for ya.
@buck-melanoma I agree with DJ 100%, but he won’t be there anyways so don’t worry Buck.
@blue-beers if he was and they took him I’d bitch about it….until the first time he took one to the house against KC/LV/Denver….lol
@buck-melanoma I totally understand why folks don’t want to draft RBs early (and there’s enough good ones in this class that I think we can get a good one in the 2nd or 3rd round) BUT I don’t really understand the logic of why you wouldn’t draft a RB high, but you would draft a TE high. Personally, I view them similarly in the position pecking order. A RB is going to have more snaps, touches and overall impact on the offense than a TE. At least, the way the offense was flowing last year.
For example, someone like Jahmyr Gibbs would’ve had a much bigger impact on the 2024 Chargers than someone like Dalton Kincaid.
@buck-melanoma Agreed! Having a RB who can catch as an outlet and pick up chunk yards would be massive for Herbert! He had the least amount of targets in his career to RBs last year.
@blue-beers nice. I see it in the TE position but I get your take too.
Like I said….mad until I’m not.
Long (2 hrs) but interesting take on the IDL draft class. I put the time in because this is such a deep class, I wanted more input into who and why these players are ranked where they are. I think we can easily pick up an impact guy in round 2-3 and possibly dip back in later.
@buck-melanoma Buck, this was the pod I was telling you about. I think they do a fantastic job grading and evaluating. I am a huge draft and prospect nerd so these guys are a listen for me all year. I really enjoy their summer pods because they break down the guys to watch for the upcoming season.
This would certainly change the dynamics of the passing game….if Roman/Harbaugh lean into it.
@buck-melanoma I would be down for Tee, but Arroyo is way more traits than production. Even the few plays he got a game were nothing special. I would rather target Helm a round later.
@evolz3737 I’m just starting to watch Helm’s tape.
Arroyo seems to have really good hands and is a slick route runner. Had a really good Senior Bowl week.
PFF does some great stats analysis work but between this one and Sikkema calling for trading up to 14 for McMillan, I question their draft analysis.
Love the player but not at 1.22.
@buck-melanoma Everyone seems to think he’ll be taken between 20 – 40. I don’t see the Chargers going that direction in round 1, but he won’t last to 55.
We’ll probably get a clearer picture post FA of how they think this is going to play out.
@blue-beers you’re right, doubtful he’s there at 2.55. Still wouldn’t entertain him at 1.22. Maybe some teams can afford that. I don’t think the Chargers are one of them.
Again….I respect Daniel Jeremiah and I like this player. I just don’t think the Chargers’ roster is in a position to warrant the draft capital for a RB.
https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2025-nfl-mock-draft-2-0
@buck-melanoma Agreed. This draft is deep at RB. I would be fine with Scattebo or Judkins in Rd 3. If they are gone I really like Giddens from KSU. He could be a steal in Rd4 or 5.
@evolz3737 yeah, like all the guys you mention here.
Lesser known name, later rounds guy (and shameless homer plug…lol)….Bhayshul Tuten. Good power, excellent speed/vision. Had some ball security issues but I believe they can be fixed. If there’s a double dip at RB I’d look at him if available 4th or later. Legit low 4.3 speed.
@buck-melanoma I’m down. With 10 draft picks there’s no reason we can’t double dip at RB, TE, IOL.
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