Jim Harbaugh, the new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, is an individual whose draft strategies remain largely unpredictable, adding an element of intrigue to the team’s approach to the upcoming NFL Draft.
As the Chargers look to bolster their roster, particularly to support their franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently offered his projections for the team’s first two selections in his latest and final two-round mock draft for 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers Draft: New Mock Draft Protects Justin Herbert In 2 Ways
With their first pick, the 22nd overall, Kiper Jr. envisions the Chargers selecting Grey Zabel, an offensive lineman capable of playing guard or center from North Dakota State. Kiper Jr. suggests that while the Chargers might be tempted to reach for a playmaker like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or Luther Burden III (Missouri) if they are available, a more prudent move would be to solidify the offensive line.
Zabel, who has experience at both tackle and guard positions in college, is described as a “tone-setter” who excels at driving defenders off the ball, potentially opening crucial rushing lanes at left guard. Notably, according to ESPN Research cited by Kiper Jr., Zabel would be a relatively rare non-FBS offensive lineman selected this high in the draft since the 1978 FBS/FCS split, underscoring his perceived talent.
Addressing the Chargers’ need for interior offensive line improvement, Kiper Jr. points out that while Mekhi Becton was signed to start at guard, Bradley Bozeman’s performance last season was inconsistent. Zabel possesses the potential to play center at a high level in the future and could even compete for a starting guard role as a rookie, ultimately contributing to keeping Justin Herbert protected.
For their second-round pick, the 55th overall, Kiper Jr. projects the Chargers to select Mason Taylor, a tight end from LSU. He notes that the Chargers’ acquisition of veteran tight end Tyler Conklin should not preclude them from addressing the position early in the draft, especially considering Conklin’s limited receiving production and Will Dissly’s struggles with injuries last season.
Taylor, a significant target at 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, demonstrated reliable hands at LSU, catching 55 passes with only one drop in his final season. As highlighted by Nick Roesch, Taylor’s draft stock has been steadily rising, and his relative athletic score (RAS), as noted by Kent Lee Platte, is exceptionally high for his position.
Taylor is viewed as a downfield threat at tight end with impressive movement skills for his size. A three-year starter for the LSU Tigers, he amassed 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns during his college career.
Kiper Jr.’s projections suggest a draft strategy focused on immediately supporting Justin Herbert, ensuring his protection and providing him with additional receiving targets to avoid the struggles the franchise quarterback faced in critical moments last season, a priority that new head coach Jim Harbaugh will undoubtedly be determined to address.
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