Chargers mock draft: A Kellen Moore-centric three-round mock draft

Chargers draft their Trey Pipkins replacement

Trey Pipkins had a great season in 2022 and it would be nice to see him return and start at right tackle in 2023 and beyond. The problem is that the Chargers don't have much cap space and Pipkins dealt with a lingering MCL injury last season that does raise a concern.

While Pipkins was great (and as a fan I want him back), it would not be surprising whatsoever if Tom Telesco weighs all the options and goes against paying Pipkins his market value. The team has a very cheap potential replacement already on the roster in Jamaree Salyer, who thrived at left tackle in place of Rashawn Slater last season.

The Chargers are almost certainly going to cut Matt Feiler to free up cap space and if they retain Pipkins, they could just start Salyer at left guard. But if they don't re-sign Pipkins, that opens the door to drafting either a tackle or a guard.

Unless they are committing to drafting another offensive lineman in the first round, drafting a guard is more likely as teams can typically find more value in interior offensive linemen in the middle rounds. Emil Ekiyor Jr. is someone who very well could wind up as a valuable mid-round pick (as long as he doesn't climb up the boards).

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Ekiyor is a bit on the smaller size in terms of height and arm length but he makes up for it with strength and physicality. Putting him in between Slater and Corey Linsley would help shore up some of his holes while allowing him to thrive with his physicality.