Fresh Mock Draft Sees Chargers Trade Back, Get Offensive Help With Extra First-Round Pick

Ricardo Sandoval | Apr 15, 2024

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) knocks the ball / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

There is much talk about whether or not the Los Angeles Chargers will trade back in the upcoming draft. The Bolts hold the number five pick, and many experts and pundits believe it'll be the ideal choice to move back. In the latest mock draft by USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, he has the Bolts trading back in the draft with the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for picks 11 and 23.

With their 23rd pick, Middlehurst-Schwartz has the Bolts selecting Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

"The consternation regarding the state of the Chargers' receiving corps will only amplify if Harbaugh and Co. trade back to a spot outside of the range of the top three wideouts," Middlehurts-Schwartz writes. "In this scenario, however, Los Angeles is able to land a potential go-to target in Mitchell, who should give Justin Herbert the fluid pass catcher he currently lacks."

According to NFL.com draft experts, Mitchell's prospect grade is at 6.35. According to the NFL's grading scale, he is slated to be an eventual plus starter. The highest grade one can receive is an eight.

Mitchell spent his 2023 season in Texas. Before that, he was in Georgia but struggled to stay on the field for one reason or another. His senior season at Texas was the best in his college career. He collected 55 receptions for 845 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 15.4 receiving yards per reception.

According to NFL analyst Lance Zierlein, Mitchell has the tools to be a very good NFL receiver.

"Ascending prospect with size, speed and ball skills to become a very good NFL receiver, but he's still in the process of bridging those traits," Zierlein notes. "Mitchell can beat press and has the speed to take the battle to the third level but he's still learning the art of bullying the catch space in tight quarters and jump-ball battles. He's not always a natural hands-catcher, but his ability to snare balls outside his frame is top-notch. His route running currently lacks focus and consistency, but agility and burst out of breaks will not be an issue. Mitchell is rugged after the catch and has the ability to become a winner on all three levels. The difference between becoming a WR2 or WR1 could rest on his urgency and willingness to go to work on the unpolished areas of his craft."

The Bolts desperately need a wide receiver. Although it won't be a transcended player like Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, it's a step in the right direction.