Los Angeles Chargers NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Hood is not only a good cover corner but a fierce tackler, as well. That's the brand of football Jim Harbaugh wants to play.

Since taking over in 2024, GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh have not taken a defensive player in the first two rounds of the draft. That was a fine strategy when they had Jesse Minter, a defensive coordinator who proved capable of doing more with less from a personnel standpoint. But now Minter is gone, and the Chargers have a first-year play caller in new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. They need to invest in defensive talent. As it stands, edge rushers Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are headed for free agency. Even if the Chargers re-sign both players, they should start planning for life after Mack, who is entering his age-35 season. Faulk gives the Chargers a player to groom in the edge room. He has alignment versatility that will pair well with the flexible Tuli Tuipulotu, who has been very successful kicking inside on pass-rush downs in his career.

I'm not as high on Peter Woods as the industry consensus. He does possess a rare combination of power and athleticism that causes scouts to drool, but I worry about his length and how it will translate to the next level. I'd also like to see him showcase it more often. There are too many snaps where he looks ordinary.

Sadiq is the perfect weapon for a creative offensive mind like Mike McDaniel. With the tight end joining Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and Oronde Gadsden II, the OC would have a lot to work with in his first year with the Chargers.

No fan base needs to be reminded less on the importance of offensive line play and health than the Chargers' faithful. Los Angeles allowed 60 sacks last season while quarterback Justin Herbert was hit more than any other signal-caller. The return of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater from injury will go a long way, as will the hiring of Mike McDaniel at offensive coordinator, but the interior needs reinforcements.

Enter Ioane, a no-nonsense, rugged guard who is perhaps the most physical offensive player in the class. He's a body-mover as a run blocker and terrific in pass protection, not allowing a single sack over the past two seasons.

The Chargers, again, need help up front after a brutal showing in the postseason that saw their Super Bowl hopes end after one game, and it cost offensive coordinator Greg Roman and O-line coach Mike Devlin their jobs. It's impossible to predict losing so many offensive linemen to injury, but having more of them at least gives an opportunity to build some much-needed depth up front.

As I mentioned with Minter earlier, Jim Harbaugh still believes in that defensive philosophy of being big upfront and creating a run wall. Hunter fits the bill. He's very good in the interior and was a big winner at the Senior Bowl following his All-American season.