Happy Draft Day!The Chargers own the 22nd overall pick on Thursday night but only have five picks total. Los Angeles will likely try to add at least two more picks and make seven or more, especially with 23 roster spots and an international player slot open entering the draft.Here's one final Chargers seven-round mock draft predicting how LA will attack the next three days.Round 1, Pick 22: Clemson EDGE TJ ParkerThe Chargers defense, which will remain mostly the same schematically under new coordinator Chris O'Leary, has been at its best when it can deploy three edge rushers. Los Angeles lost Odafe Oweh to free agency and both Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu are both set to hit free agency in 2027.
Extension talks with Tuipulotu could begin this summer, but Mack's longevity has to be in question considering he pondered retirement this offseason. Parker has the power profile and football character that the Chargers crave. While I believe LA would like to trade down in this spot, I don't foresee a trade materializing based on the way the rest of the first round shakes out.Round 2, Pick 55: Georgia Tech G Keylan RutledgeRutledge's stock has steamed into the first round conversation, but it seems much more likely that he is selected in the 50s than the 20s right now.
If Chase Bisontis from Texas A&M gets into the first round, then perhaps Rutledge and Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon are pushed up the board in the early second. Otherwise, Pittsburgh at 53 appears to be the main hurdle to Rutledge being available at 55. If he is, the Chargers should run the card in - Rutledge is a mauler in the run game who also has the movement skills to hang in a zone-based scheme.
He'd step in as the starter at left guard and plug the Chargers' biggest hole.(from New England) Round 3, Pick 95: Duke CB Chandler RiversAfter addressing their two primary needs, LA could look to find a trade back in the third round. Pittsburgh, New England, and Baltimore make sense as partners, as all three are flush with picks (the Steelers have 12, while the other two have 11). Here, I have the Chargers trading the 86th pick for 95, 171, and 247 to fill in their missing fifth and seventh round selections.Rivers has strong character feedback from NFL teams, as reported by The Athletic's Dane Brugler, and his instincts in both man and zone coverage on the outside or in the slot are appealing traits.
The Chargers value instincts and experience on the boundary at corner, which make Rivers a natural fit despite his 5'9" size (LA doesn't place as much of an emphasis on size at the position).Round 4, Pick 123: Missouri WR Kevin Coleman Jr.Coleman played for four schools in four years, which may raise some questions in NFL buildings, but he'd fit what the Chargers need as a threat after the catch. Another player whose work ethic was praised by his coaches in Brugler's draft guide, Coleman is a slippery route runner but only ran a handful of routes for the Tigers. He also has returned punts all four years, including a 67-yard touchdown this season.
That skillset could push Derius Davis as the primary punt returner and underneath, gadget-type threat as a receiver.(from New England) Round 5, Pick 171: Arizona S Dalton JohnsonThe Chargers have taken two defensive backs in each of their first two drafts under GM Joe Hortiz, all four of whom were Day 3 picks. With Rivers off the board in the third, we can hit a second DB here with Johnson, who LA sent safeties coach Adam Fuller to see at Arizona's pro day in March. With experience all over the formation, including in the nickel, Johnson also fits the Chargers' mold as a versatile player in the secondary.
He also has 559 career snaps on special teams and would be an immediate contributor in that phase of the game.Round 6, Pick 204: Kansas OT Enrique Cruz Jr.With additional picks, the Chargers would have the ability to add much-needed depth to the offensive line. That would likely come at tackle in this scenario - a guard pick earlier on would give the team five guards (Cole Strange, Trevor Penning, Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor, and the draft pick) with potential to make the roster, but only three tackles (Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, and Trey Pipkins III). Cruz has experience at both tackle spots and was described as "an interesting Day 3 flier for a team running a zone scheme" by Brugler.(from New England) Round 7, Pick 247: Illinois DT James Thompson Jr.Scott Matlock is staying on the offensive side of the ball despite the scheme change and addition of fullback Alec Ingold, so there's a role available on the defensive line to replace outgoing free agent Otito Ogbonnia.
A quick and powerful player, Thompson is more flash than consistent playmaker right now. A smaller rotational role - which is all the Chargers have to offer with Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Justin Eboigbe on the front line - could suit Thompson as he tries to further hone his tools.This article originally appeared on Chargers Wir