Chargers mock draft, pick 54: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
The LA Chargers need depth on the edge and there is a good chance that the team addresses it early in the 2023 NFL Draft. At one point this offseason, it seemed like Nolan Smith was going to be the pick at 21 and it was an extremely exciting possibility.
However, Smith has only climbed the big boards during draft season and it now seems unlikely that he will fall to 21. If he or Lukas Van Ness were on the board at 21 then the Chargers may go a differently direction entirely. But that likely won't be the case.
Instead, the Chargers may have to settle for a second-round edge rusher and Georgia Tech's Keion White is an interesting name to keep an eye on. White is built to be a 3-4 edge rusher at the NFL level, fitting into the Chargers' scheme, but definitely needs to develop as a prospect.
White is a big green in his techinque but his athleticism and physical profile jump off the page. The Chargers would be a great fit for White as he would only be a rotational option in year one that can work on honing his craft without being thrust into a starting role.
Keion White goes right through Ryan Hayes with a power rush 🐝 pic.twitter.com/qA6AIN4E8B
— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) February 1, 2023
Then, if all goes as planned, White could replace Khalil Mack in 2024 when he eventually becomes a cap casualty next offseason. This is the definition of a boom-or-bust selection as White could turn into a legitimate Pro Bowler with his athleticism but if he fails to develop he may never find his place in the league.