With the draft in the rearview mirror, let’s take a look at how it went for the Los Angeles Chargers. I would like to see GM Tom Telesco do a bit more to navigate throughout the draft. We have seen that trading down in the draft usually adds value, and Telesco didn’t move from any of his picks. The Chargers seemed to just use the “stick and pick” strategy- just sticking to their original picks and drafting their guys. I think they ended up really bolstering both sides of the ball and even drafting players of future need (like edge rusher with aging contracts in Bosa and Mack).
Pick 21: TCU Wide Receiver Quentin Johnston: A
The Chargers use their first pick and really help out the offense by selecting Quentin Johnston. They were bottom three in the league in terms of average depth of target, meaning they weren’t really passing the ball down the field. The biggest reason for this was probably Joe Lombardi who has been replaced, but some of this could come from the passer, Justin Herbert. They could really use a receiver that can create yards after the catch and Johnston is just that.
Johnston is truly an outlier in his yards-after-catch ability compared to the other receivers in this draft. He is first in yards after the catch as well as being first by a mile in forced missed tackles. There was a point in the college football season where it looked like QJ was a surefire top-ten pick and most likely wide receiver in the class. Since then, the other receivers had closed the gap and Johnston’s stock fell after not testing insanely well. He is still the best YAC receiver in the class and a freak of nature, so I think this was a great pick to help the Chargers’ offense.
Pick 54: USC Edge Tuli Tuipulotu: B+
I believe that I am quite a bit higher on this pick than most. Although edge isn’t currently a dire need, it will be. The talented duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa won’t be able to stay in LA forever, and Tuli will hopefully replace one of them in the future. For now, he should be a fairly productive rotational rusher as you can never have too many defensive linemen.
Tuli was hyper-productive last season with an FBS-leading 13.5 sacks. He showed last season that he can produce as a pass-rusher which could be fantastic for the defense and keep both Mack and Bosa fresh. He is quite athletic and I can really see him being a full-time starter once either Bosa or Mack depart.
Pick 85: Washington State Linebacker Daiyan Henley: A-
For now, it seems that this pick could just be for depth at the linebacker position. After adding Eric Kendricks this offseason and Kenneth Murray still on his rookie contract, Henley may not see the field. This does provide flexibility though, as the team will need to choose whether or not to resign Murray.
Henley was pretty productive in his last season at Washington State and was PFF’s highest-graded linebacker in the nation. Getting that in the third round seems like fantastic value. He is athletic and a former wide receiver, so there is tremendous upside here with more playing time at linebacker. This could prove to be a fantastic value pick if it works out after picking more premium positions in the first two rounds.
Pick 125: TCU Wide Receiver Derius Davis: B+
It is hard to find contributors this late in the draft, but Davis certainly has the potential to be one. He brings speed to the offense that they are severely lacking and can create some of those explosive plays. He can also be the returner for the special teams after the Chargers were unable to bring back Deandre Carter after last season.
Pick 156: Clemson Guard Jordan Mcfadden: C
After drafting guard Zion Johnson last season in the first round and probably kicking sixth-rounder Jamaree Salyer to guard, this position seems set. Mcfadden will be good depth on the line as he has played both tackle spots and guard. Hopefully, he is able to play any of these positions if there is an injury to one of the starters.
Pick 200: Boise State Defensive Lineman Scott Matlock: B-
Matlock brings run-stopping ability and will probably have a chance to compete and contribute in year one. Staley’s defense is predicated on stopping the run-up front so this is another lineman that can rotate in.
Pick 239: TCU Quarterback Max Duggan: C
The Chargers seemingly loved the TCU players and continue adding them to the team with Duggan. Duggan most likely is nothing more than just depth in the quarterback room with Herbert and Easton Stick. Hopefully, he can play competently in the instance that Herbert gets injured.
Overall 2023 Draft Grade: A-
I think the Chargers got better on both sides of the ball and addressed needs for the future. Johnston adds another dimension to this offense that is already high-powered. I can’t wait to see what new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will do with the plethora of talent. I’ll also be interested to see if rookies like Henley or Tuipulotu will be contributors in year one and if they eventually play a factor in the contract negotiations between the team and the veterans at their respective positions.
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