Chargers trade back to increase Super Bowl chances in latest 7-round mock draft
By Jason Reed
Chargers draft Sedrick Van Pran with 105th pick in mock draft
Corey Linsley is 99% retiring this offseason after a non-emergent heart issue sidelined him for most of the 2023 season. With Linsley out of the picture, the Chargers need to find a solution at the center position.
Michigan's Drake Nugent is an intriguing prospect and definitely is possible because of his ties to Harbaugh. Georgia's Sedrick Van Pran is a tick better than Nugent, though, and if he fell into the fourth round it would be a no-brainer for the Chargers.
Nobody the Chargers draft will be as good as Linsley right away. But the team needs an anchor in the middle of the offensive line that can build a rapport with Herbert. Van Pran has the tools to do just that.
Chargers draft Gabriel Murphy with 142nd pick in mock draft
This is a case of the Chargers taking the best available player as the team would be thrilled to draft UCLA pass rusher Gabriel Murphy in the fifth round. Murphy gets overshadowed by Laiatu Latu but he is a productive and versatile defender that can really give the Chargers more flexibility on defense.
Minter is all about throwing different looks at offenses and adding someone like Murphy who can move around the front line alongside Tui Tuipulotu would be great for the Bolts. He may not be anything more than a rotational player in year one, but Murphy has all the makings of being a day-three steal.