Pre-Combine full Chargers mock draft: Bolts finally take WR in first round

The 2022 NFL season is officially over with the Kansas City Chiefs beating the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl and now it is draft season. The 2023 NFL Combine is right around the corner and thus, it is time to start putting together our Chargers mock drafts.

There is a lot that can change from now until the 2023 NFL Draft in late April. Prospect rankings will change (especially after the combine) and the Chargers' team needs may change based on what happens in free agency.

Using Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator, here is our first stab at a 2023 Chargers mock draft with some projections around what the team will do with the roster beforehand.

Chargers mock draft round 1: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Many Chargers fans have been asking for the team to draft a wide receiver for several years now. There is an outside chance that Keenan Allen leaves the team this offseason for salary-cap reasons but either way, the team should draft a receiver.

The best-possible first-round receiver for the Chargers with the 21st pick is Zay Flowers from Boston College. Flowers fits into the picture nicely not only for his rookie season, but for his long-term prospects with the team.

The speedy YAC machine would be a great option in year one to be a rich man's version of DeAndre Carter in 2023. Flowers wouldn't be asked to do too much and could be a big threat play that is dangerous with the ball in his hands but also over the top of the defense.

Then as his career goes along and Allen regresses or eventually leaves, Flowers can progress into being the team's true WR2 and then eventually WR1. If not Flowers, there are still some solid first-round candidates. Jalin Hyatt is receiving a lot of buzz right now.