The key to building a successful NFL offense is simple: build around your star quarterback. For all of Justin Herbert’s talent, the Chargers haven’t always done that. Whether it was shaky offensive line play, a lack of consistent weapons, or coaching instability, Herbert has often been asked to do more with less.
But if the latest two-round 2-25 NFL Mock Draft from ESPN's Mel Kiper plays out the way he envisions, that could finally start to change. The longtime draft analyst has the Chargers landing a pair of instant-impact offensive players with their first two picks.
Kiper has the Chargers selecting North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel with the 22nd overall pick before doubling down on offense with the selection of LSU tight end Mason Taylor at pick No. 55 in the second round.
Both Zabel and Taylor would fill immediate holes on the Chargers' roster and continue the team's commitment to building around their franchise QB. It's safe to say that Herbert would likely approve of this draft haul.
Chargers select Grey Zabel and Mason Taylor in latest ESPN mock draft
A three-year starter at North Dakota State, Zabel played all over the offensive line in college, starting games at left guard and both tackle spots. While he primarily played tackle at NDSU, most scouts project him as an interior offensive lineman at the next level.
Zabel is widely viewed as the only realistic first-round center option in a weak interior offensive line class, with some believing he could start on Day 1 at any of the three interior positions.
The Chargers re-signed Bradley Bozeman, added Mekhi Becton and Andre James, and still have Zion Johnson in the mix, but there are no true sure things along the interior of their offensive line. Zabel would give the Chargers added flexibility and a potential long-term building block to pair with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater.
Taylor is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor and was a three-year starter at LSU. The Florida native set a single-season school record for the most receptions by a tight end when he finished with 55 catches for 546 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
The Chargers signed veteran Tyler Conklin to a one-year, $3 million deal last month, but the former Jets tight end isn’t viewed as a long-term answer. Taylor, who has drawn comparisons to Dallas Goedert, would give Los Angeles a promising young option to pair with Conklin and Will Dissly on the depth chart.
The Chargers' top priority this offseason should be continuing to build around Herbert. With Alt and Slater anchoring the tackle spots, Los Angeles has two foundational pieces up front, but the interior of the offensive line remains a work in progress.
Conklin and Dissly are reliable veterans at tight end, but the Chargers still need to add more young pass-catching talent to the roster. Kiper's latest mock draft helps the organization solve both problems.
If the draft plays out this way, you can bet Justin Herbert would be one very happy quarterback.