The Chargers started the draft off with a bang, selecting RB Omarion Hampton at 22 overall. Hampton will be an incredibly explosive addition to their run game and an excellent complement to Najee Harris. Behind Joe Alt and Rashan Slater, he should have a lot of success and take pressure of Justin Herbert’s shoulders. Here are some prospects for the Chargers to consider on Day 2 to continue to improve and contend in the playoffs.
#1. Mason Taylor, TE LSU
The Chargers desperately need to upgrade at the TE spot. Will Dissly had under 500 receiving yards, and finding Herbert a safe 3rd down TE would be huge. Taylor is big and athletic, great with contested catches, and can run a full route tree. Though his blocking needs work, his reliable hands would be a huge asset for Justin Herbert. He would provide a good balance with Dissly for 12 personal to have both run and pass options.
#2. Elic Ayomanor, WR Stanford
The Chargers desperately need a pass-catcher to pair with Ladd McConkey. Ayomanor would be a good complement given his size and athleticism. He had 831 yards and 6 TDs his senior year, including some highlight reel acrobatics. He would be a positive in run blocking, which the Chargers will need given their run-first approach. His hands could be better, and he’s not super fast, but he does have great fakes to get open. He certainly has the traits to develop into a great receiver for the Chargers, and they could likely pick him up in the third round at #86 overall.
#3. Jack Bech, WR TCU
Another potential athletic WR for the Chargers to target, probably at #55. Bech is big and strong and can break tackles. He also has excellent ball skills and catch tracking. He needs work as a run blocker, but hopefully the traits are there for that. He could also use a bit more speed on his breaks, but he will do well with contested catches and provide a counterpoint to Ladd McConkey.
#4. T.J. Sanders, DT South Carolina
After losing Poona Ford to the Rams in free agency, the Chargers could use a new nose tackle to anchor their defense. Sanders is a true two-gapper and a violent and quick striker. He will be a great asset to stop early down runs and allow Mack and Bosa to pin their ears back on third down. His hands (and his whole upper half) are a bit better than his feet and hips. But he has upside as a pass rusher and would be a great anchor for Jesse Minter’s defense.
#5. Joshua Farmer, DT Florida State
Another strong, explosive nose tackle to anchor the defense. He’s got a pro frame, like a taller Poona Ford. He can cover two gaps and get after the quarterback, and he’s huge and hard to move. He doesn’t have the quickest feet and might get beaten by quick blockers he can’t shed. But he mauls guards, and given his athletic profile, he probably hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. He would be a good target if they want a DT at #86 rather than reaching at #55.
