While most mock drafters a sticking the Los Angeles Chargers with a pass catcher for very obvious and sound reasons, at the end of the day the man running the team will be the one making the decision.
Similarly to last year, many were calling for the Chargers to draft Malik Nabers with the fifth overall pick in the draft. The result was adding superstar Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt to the team.
According to The Athletic’s Chargers beat reporter, Daniel Popper, the team will go in a similar direction this year.
Round 1, Pick 22: Los Angeles Chargers Draft Tyler Booker, Guard, Alabama
“I still cannot shake the feeling of watching the Houston Texans front dominate the Chargers offensive line in the playoffs. The interior of the line struggled in pass protection all season, and that weakness showed up in the biggest game. Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh want an offense that can dominate the line of scrimmage. The game in Houston put on full display that the Chargers are not there yet. I think improving the interior of the offensive line will be a priority for Harbaugh and Hortiz this offseason.
Booker has tremendous size (6-foot-5, 325 pounds) and strength. He is a physical run blocker. He plays with a mean streak. He fits the vision. Right guard Trey Pipkins has a $9.25 million cap hit in 2025. The Chargers can save $6.75 million if they cut Pipkins. Booker was a left guard at Alabama, but he could be a one-for-one replacement for Pipkins on the right side. If the Chargers draft Booker, they would have four first-round picks on their offensive line, including Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, and Zion Johnson.”
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel
Dane Brugler, also of The Athletic, put Booker 18th on this Top 100 list of Draft Prospects. Here is what he wrote about the 6 foot 5, 325 junior; “After an inconsistent yet promising first two years at Alabama, Booker had an All-America junior season as one of the Crimson Tide’s team leaders and made the key improvements NFL scouts were hoping to see.
He is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match, although his average foot quickness might not be ideal for every scheme. Booker is a plug-and-play guard and should be a longtime pro.”