The big wave of NFL free agency is officially over and while the LA Chargers still have spending space to bring in more external free agents, fans have a better idea of what the team might look to do in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Using NFL Mock Draft Database's mock draft simulator, we decided to piece together a full seven-round Chargers mock draft following the team's activity in free agency. Better yet, we also executed a trade-down in the draft to pick up extra capital, as that is something that Tom Telesco himself has hinted at.
7-round Chargers mock draft following free agency moves:
Trade: Chargers trade pick 21 to New Orleans Saints for pick 29, 71 and 165
With the 29th pick, the LA Chargers select Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
With Nolan Smith, Lukas Van Ness and Bijan Robinson all off the board in this specific Chargers mock draft, we decided to accept the proposed trade offer from the Saints to move down eight picks in order to pick up some extra draft capital.
With that pick, the Chargers select an extremely promising edge rusher, Will McDonald IV. McDonald is expected to be an early-second-round pick at worse and by securing him in the first round, the Bolts would be getting the benefit of his fifth-year rookie option.
LA needs to prepare for life without Khalil Mack as this is likely his last year on the team and the best way to do so is early in the 2023 NFL Draft. This will not only bring a player who can get snaps as a rotational player but will get the 2024 starter in the building to develop already.
McDonald is a bit of a work in progress but his size, fluidity and athleticism make him a natural fit as an outside linebacker in Brandon Staley's 3-4 defense. With a year under Mack and Bosa, McDonald should develop nicely to his full potential.