Chargers mock draft: Bolts add intriguing Mike Williams replacement
By Jason Reed
Chargers mock draft pick 102: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
This is a Jim Harbaugh pick. But even if Harbaugh is not in the equation, it makes a lot of sense for the Bolts to draft Blake Corum in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. Corum is probably the closest thing the Chargers can get to an Austin Ekeler-style running back and that is key for rebuilding the room in 2024.
Both Ekeler and Joshua Kelley are free agents after the 2023 season and the Chargers are going to have to patch together the room. The most reasonable way to do that would be to give Isaiah Spiller a bigger role, draft someone like Corum, and sign a complementary veteran running back for cheap. Someone like D'Onta Foreman would make a lot of sense for the Chargers if he is cheap (he should be).
If Corum can make an impact in year one, which all signs say that he can, then a running back room of Foreman, Corum and Spiller suddenly does not look that bad. It will be by committee but in today's NFL, that is perfectly fine.
Chargers mock draft pick 133: Seth McLaughlin, C, Alabama
Full transparency: McLaughlin isn't in the Pro Football Network database yet as he has not officially declared for the draft. However, all signs are pointing to him declaring and this is right around where he would be taken. McLaughlin ranks 129th on Pro Football Focus' big board and is the fourth-ranked center.
It is hard to project whether or not the Chargers will need a starting center as Corey Linsley's future is unknown. Either way, the Bolts should prepare to replace Linsley full-time whether it be in 2024 or after his contract expires if he can return and play. That doesn't require a first-round pick, however, as a lot of great centers are taken in the middle rounds (Linsley himself was taken in the fifth round).
McLaughlin has had some hiccups transitioning to center but in his roots, he is a strong, bulldozing prospect who can thrive physically at the position. With Linsley still in the equation to coach him up (whether he is playing or not), he has the tools to take over the reins.