Despite an early (and quick) exit from the playoffs for the LA Chargers, there is an upward trend for Jim Harbaugh's team. Moving forward, reloading on offense will help ensure that Greg Roman's offense keeps up with the rest of the AFC West.
Picking in the 20s actually benefits LA.; it removes the pressure of having to nail a top draft selection. This doesn't mean that any player the Chargers select can't make an immediate impact. Rather, the expectations for a top-five draft pick differ from those for the 22nd overall pick. It's also a positive sign heading into year two under head coach Jim Harbaugh, but now, the pressure shifts to maintaining success.
For Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horitz, the 22nd slot will present some intriguing options. Using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator, opting to load up on offense could be just one of several plausible scenarios.
Chargers select Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Indeed, the Chargers have the financial means to pursue this offseason's highly sought-after wide receiver, Tee Higgins. However, any smart general manager knows that you build your own offensive depth through the draft.
Josh Palmer hasn't lived up to expectations, and a long-term commitment from the Chargers would be surprising. Despite Ladd McConkey's rise, the Chargers still need a viable option who can serve as a "1B" in Roman's offense, even with his run-heavy tendencies. This is where Golden comes in.
Golden's vertical explosiveness and initial burst off the line of scrimmage make him your prototypical burner. If you don't respect his speed, he'll make you pay for it. As the scouting season approaches, it'll be important to monitor his 40-time. Drawing comparisons to Nate Burleson from The 33rd Team, Golden has some of the best hands in his class, meaning he's an instant upgrade over Quentin Johnston.
Plugging in a true home run threat that can stretch the field on any given snap would give Roman's offense another layer. Possessing some of the cleanest route-running you'll see on film, you combine that with the aforementioned explosiveness and he'll be a nightmare for NFL defensive coordinator. Golden will likely have a high YAC count right from the outset as a rookie, much like his collegiate production.
As of now, there's a chance he could slip into day two of the draft; however, for the Chargers, picking up an instant starter who opens up your offense immediately is worth a slight "reach."
Chargers select Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
On day two, the Chargers could acquire arguably the third-best tight end in this class — not a bad haul when combined with Golden, giving Roman two new shiny weapons to gameplan with.
LSU's Mason Taylor is as athletically gifted a player as you can get; he's coming into the NFL with a solid build; his size (measuring six-plus feet and weighing in at 250-plus pounds) is what scouts salivate over when it comes to tight ends.
While he's no Brock Bowers, Taylor does have similar versatility playing outside in the slot or traditionally in-line. Much like Golden, he'll give Roman's offense another layer to build on.
While he'll benefit from maybe putting on a few pounds of muscle at the NFL level, you don't want to bulk him up too much. Part of his game is the diversity that he brings in his varying lineup positions; his separation after making the catch is what makes him dangerous. You're also drafting another pair of reliable hands with Taylor—not only can you count on him, but he'll get up there and contest those tough catches. That's going to serve him well when facing some of these defenders in the AFC West.
The Chargers would essentially be picking up a solid tight end that'll move the chains, efficiency at its finest. That being said, there are concerns with his blocking ability, which would make him a surprise pick on a Harbaugh-led squad.
We know how Harbaugh feels about establishing your identity in the trenches, so Taylor would require some fine-tuning. Fortunately, you have Will Dissly to assist you in this area. If you're drafting Taylor this high, you're doing so knowing you're going to mold him into a more complete player.