ESPN’s Jordan Reid has released his latest two-round projections, saying the Chargers are expected to draft an offensive lineman and edge rusher.
In the first round, Reed had the Chargers draft Kadin Proctor out of Alabama.
advertise
Proctor plays left tackle for the Crimson Tide, but he can play interior defense. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury, Proctor can also play his natural position in a pinch. He’s a personnel mover who can immediately provide interior protection for Justin Herbert.
The offensive line’s poor performance in the 2025 class is no secret, and based on general manager Joe Hortiz’s comments about protecting Herbert, prioritizing that unit high in the draft is a priority.
Here’s what Reid had to say about Proctor and why he’s a good fit for the Bolts:
The Chargers’ interior offensive line struggled last season and could look much different, with linebacker Zion Johnson hitting free agency and Mekhi Becton potentially becoming a casualty after an injury-riddled season. Scouts at the combine had a real 50-50 split on the 6-foot-7, 352-pound Proctor, with some viewing him as a first-rounder and others viewing him as a Day 2 pick. There is also controversy regarding his position, with Proctor playing tackle in college but able to play interior defense. But even if he plays linebacker in the pros, he’ll provide safety at tackle for the Chargers after they lose Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater to season-ending injuries in 2025.
In the second round of the draft, Reid led the Chargers to the 55th overall pick over Michigan’s Derrick Moore.
advertise
The futures of Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack remain up in the air. The Chargers can bring back at least one of those players, but they’ll have to add a high-level player to complement Tuli Tupulotu. Moore had 78 pressures and 14 sacks in his final two seasons with the Wolverines, proving his ability as a pass rusher.
The Chargers drafting Proctor and Moore directly address two of the team’s biggest needs on both sides of the ball. While the Bolts have more than $87 million in cap space this offseason, the team will look to bolster the roster through the draft.
Once the NFL free agency window opens on March 11, the Chargers will reveal exactly where they plan to spend big money this spring.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: ESPN predicts Chargers will draft OL, EDGE in first two rounds
