Helping Herbert: Best Path For Chargers In 2023 NFL Draft

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The Los Angeles Chargers have been able to benefit immediately from Justin Herbert. Ever since he first took the field, the quarterback has elevated the Bolts immensely. But as he begins to take the next step in his young career, more team success is necessary for LA. The 2023 NFL Draft is the next opportunity for the Chargers to become even more dangerous with Justin Herbert.

Some people thought that Keenan Allen could have been a cap casualty this offseason. But with the savvy route runner staying in the fold, there is a tremendous chance for the Chargers to build the best offensive lineup that Herbert has ever had.

What is the most favorable draft path for the Chargers to possibly take this April? Targeting the best skill players available could be the best option for helping out Herbert. Let’s kick it off.

Herbert Entering Second Phase Of Career

As the Chargers see their expectations start to grow further to build a winning team, Justin Herbert is expected to receive a highly-anticipated contract extension. With that massive payday likely coming very soon, the pressure to give Herbert the best supporting cast strengthens. With his mix of work ethic, accuracy and mental toughness, the quarterback is built to take the next step. But from a roster construction and NFL draft perspective, the Chargers must continue hitting consistently with their offensive additions.

Elite Running Back Options

The 2023 NFL Draft presents some of the best running back prospects in recent memory. Sure, investing a premium draft pick in a running back is an extremely hard pill to swallow for teams. Los Angeles could be in the right position to land someone like Bijan Robinson, if he drops to the second half of round one. Robinson’s elite contact balance, vision and improving pass catching skills could make the Chargers even more dangerous around Herbert.

Meanwhile, Jahmyr Gibbs is an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands. The running back is seemingly able to make defenders miss as simple as any ball carrier that I can remember. More importantly, Gibbs can be viewed as more than just a traditional running back. In the right situation, he could truly be a daunting offensive weapon for defenses to face. Why not use that with Justin Herbert, if you are the Chargers?

The recent trade request of Austin Ekeler could also open up the possibility that the Bolts could take a chance on drafting an elite running back. Overall, Los Angeles may look to find an even more dynamic ball carrier, while moving on from Ekeler amid contract negotiations.

Best Tight End Class In Recent Memory

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Similar to the top of the running back class, the 2023 NFL Draft presents one of the best tight end classes in recent memory. That should be music to the ears of the Chargers. Simply put, Los Angeles has struggled to fill the void left by Hunter Henry since he left for New England in 2021. Names like Jared Cook, Gerald Everett, Tre’ McKitty and Donald Parham did not move the needle the last two years.

In this draft class, you have pure athletic mismatches and highly intelligent tight ends like Dalton Kincaid and Luke Musgrave. Both of those players likely have their best football left ahead of them, to boot. Elsewhere, Michael Mayer and Darnell Washington are two names that could come in and physically dominate without having to gain as much separation as others, so to speak.

If the Chargers can add a larger frame in the middle of the field, Herbert could arguably become even more difficult to stop. Los Angeles is used to spreading defenses out and forcing them to defend every blade of grass. With a top-tier tight end joining the fold, the Chargers would possibly be able to match any other offense in the AFC, in terms of ceiling and potential.

Specific Wide Receiver Skill Set Can Be Found Anywhere

Obviously, a productive wide receiver prospect can be found anywhere in any round. The elite options that existed the last few years are nonexistent this year in the 2023 NFL Draft. There is just no bonafide top-ten type of wide receiver in this class, when it is all said and done. Specifically targeting those top running back or tight end names may not match a specific target for a Chargers addition at wide receiver.

What matters the most for Justin Herbert, is having his top weapons being available for a full season. Allen and Mike Williams have dealt with countless injuries over the last few years. Furthermore, Josh Palmer is still looking to become more refined. In chances with Allen and Williams out of the lineup, Palmer has not always cashed in with big showings. Having another option at wide receiver is paramount for Herbert and his success going forward.

Be on the lookout for more FPC 2023 NFL Draft articles and analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.