The LA Chargers signed former New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin to a one-year deal to presumably serve as Colston Loveland insurance. The Michigan tight end is the most sought after first-round prospect for Chargers fans but there is no guarantee he falls to pick No. 22.
Conklin gives the Chargers a pass-catching tight end option to fall back on if Loveland isn't on the board. The former New York Jet may not be as talented as Loveland, but he is a cheap option who didn't leave the Bolts empty-handed.
It's clear the Chargers are preparing for a draft in which Loveland doesn't fall to 22, so fans should as well. While it is still in the realm of possibility, there is what the first four rounds of the draft could look like for the Bolts if Loveland is taken early (using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator).
Chargers mock draft with no Colston Loveland:
Round 1, pick 22: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart was one of the biggest standouts of the NFL Combine and has Charger written all over him. The Chargers need to address the edge rusher position after Joey Bosa's departure and there is no better way to do so than to draft someone with incredible upside.
Stewart is a physical force who has all the athletic traits of being the next great edge rusher. His pass-rush skillset can use some fine-tuning as he often won with power and speed in college but that will come in time with NFL coaching.
Stewart has three-down potential because of his stout effort against the run and could even rotate inside on certain downs. The Chargers would be the perfect team for him as he would just be part of a rotation and wouldn't put too much on his plate. Plus, he would learn from one of the best of this generation, Khalil Mack.
Round 2, pick 55: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The Chargers signed Najee Harris to a one-year deal and have a real opportunity in this draft class to not only supplement the running game with another back, but to find the long-term RB1 in case Harris only lasts one year in LA.
It's a deep class at running back and that may lead the Chargers to wait in the draft for one. However, there is a lot of potential in Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson, especially when you factor in how he would compare to Harris.
The Chargers would essentially be creating their version of the Detroit Lions tandem that has become so successful in recent years. Harris would be the short-yardage, bruising back while Henderson would serve as the smaller, shifty back who plays more in the passing game.
Whether it's as a pass-catching weapon or as a blocker in pass pro, Henderson can thrive right away as a sidekick to Harris before eventually becoming the RB1 himself.
Round 3, pick 86: Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia
If you have read our mock drafts on Bolt Beat you already know all about Tate Ratledge. Ratledge is a versatile interior offensive lineman who can play both guard and center at the next level. When it comes to mid-round offensive line options, Ratledge may be the best.
Ratledge does not even need to start in his rookie year for this to be a good pick as he could eventually blossom into the team's starting center after 2025. At the very least, the Chargers would get a productive, versatile depth lineman who could fill in at any spot in the interior.
Heck, there is even a world in which Ratledge beats out both Andre James and Bradley Bozeman for the starting center position as early as 2025. Even if that doesn't happen, the Chargers would be giving themselves options, which is all you can really ask for.
Round 4, pick 125: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
Mitchell Evans is a name to watch if the Chargers don't get Loveland in the first round. Evans does not have the same pass-catching potential as other tight ends in this range but after signing Conklin, the Chargers may not covet that.
Instead, Evans is one of the better in-line blockers in this draft class and would essentially give the Chargers their long-term version of Will Dissly. Evans may never be a legitimate pass-catching TE1, but he has the potential to be an in-line receiver who uses his contested-catch ability to be a threat in the red zone.
The Chargers have a pass-catching tight end in Conklin and don't need to force a tight end who is worse overall just because they have more potential as a receiving option. Instead, the team may be better off taking someone with a much higher floor, which Evans has, with the intention of seeking out a pass-catching option next offseason.
Rounds five through seven can be utilized to fill out roster depth and taking shots on fliers. With how this front office operates, the team could absolutely land someone impactful after round four.