The NFL world just watched the Philadelphia Eagles decimate the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl and it served as a good reminder to teams looking to make that next leap like the LA Chargers.
The Eagles have long been lauded as one of the best-run organizations in football and that praise culminated with another Super Bowl on Sunday. Philadelphia's menacing pass rush was the story of the game as the Eagles were able to limit Patrick Mahomes without ever having to blitz.
This served as a good reminder to the Chargers that championships are won in the trenches. With a great head coach and a star quarterback, the right investment in the trenches can set the Chargers up to compete for Super Bowls in the near future.
While many are mocking tight end to the Chargers in round one, what if the Bolts instead looked to take the Eagles' approach and solely picked best player available? Using Pro Football Focus' Mock Draft simulator, we did just that and invested in the trenches in the process.
Chargers select Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams in 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Philadelphia has made a habit out of drafting players from the University of Georgia who slip in the draft order. That same situation could present itself in 2025 to the Chargers if Mykel Williams falls to the team at 22, which very well could happen.
Williams is a versatile edge rusher who has all the natural skills to be a truly special player at the NFL level. He can move around the defensive line and in the right system, can be a true game-wrecker that opposing offenses have to game plan for.
With or without Khalil Mack returning, Williams would open fun doors for the Chargers to make the most out of their front seven in 2025 and beyond.
Chargers select Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Most fans would pencil in an offensive lineman here at 55 and the Chargers very well could go in that direction. In this particular mock, there were not any offensive linemen who jumped off the page. With the intention of going best player available, the Chargers once again invest in the defensive line with Oregon's Derrick Harmon.
Harmon is a mountain of a defensive lineman who can realistically line up anywhere on the inside of the defensive line. He may take some time to develop as an NFL pass rusher but he has the skillset to be an every-down player at the professional level.
With Harmon and Williams, and if the Chargers re-sign the likes of Poona Ford and Teair Tart, the team could have a truly menacing defensive line that is set up for success for several years.
Chargers select LSU tight end Mason Taylor in 2025 NFL Mock Draft
The Chargers do need to invest draft capital in the tight end position as it will be harder to fill than other areas of need. Los Angeles can supplement the wide receiver and offensive line positions in free agency with the ample cap space the team has. Tight end is a harder void to fill.
Thankfully, this year's tight end class is deep with pass-catching options and Mason Taylor is no exception. While he may not be as all-around as Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, Taylor can be a vertical threat on day one without sacrificing much as a run blocker.
It may be forgotten about in the noise but the Eagles have one of the best tight ends in the game in Dallas Goedert. If the Chargers are trying to replicate the Eagles then investing in a starting-caliber tight end for the future is the move.
Chargers select Miami running back Damien Martinez in 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Like at tight end, this is a deep running back class and the Chargers snag someone who can make a day-one impact in the fourth round in Damien Martinez. Martinez won't be ready to be the featured back right away but he would be a perfect addition to essentially replace Gus Edwards in the running back rotation.
The Chargers should bring J.K. Dobbins back on a short-term deal with Martinez theoretically serving as a short-yardage, change-of-pace back. Martinez may not have the most top-line speed but he is a physical runner with great vision behind the line of scrimmage.
The run game is so important to success in the NFL Playoffs and the Chargers need to commit some youth to the position where possible. The Chargers are never going to find another Saquon Barkley this late in the draft but they can build out a more respectable room by going best player available.