And just like that, the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books. Per usual, it was a wild and unexpected ride, starting with all the Round 1 action. Day 2 and Day 3 delivered surprises of their own. Some teams capitalized on the opportunity, while others came up short. Let’s take a look at the 2023 NFL Draft recap, analysis, and grades for the Los Angeles Chargers. NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.
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2023 NFL Draft Recap, Analysis & Grades: Los Angeles Chargers
NFL Draft analysts Andrew Erickson and Thor Nystrom combine to provide their thoughts below.
Thor Nystrom’s Overview & Grades
Los Angeles Chargers | Draft Grade: C+
| Pick | Team | Position | Rank | Name | School | Comp |
| 21 | Chargers | WR1 | 21 | Quentin Johnston | TCU | Taller Aiyuk |
| 54 | Chargers | ED14 | 81 | Tuli Tuipulotu | USC | Cameron Thomas |
| 85 | Chargers | LB3 | 60 | Daiyan Henley | Washington State | Dre Greenlaw |
| 125 | Chargers | WR42 | 304 | Derius Davis | TCU | Kavontae Turpin |
| 156 | Chargers | OL20 | 236 | Jordan McFadden | Clemson | Vince Manuwai |
| 200 | Chargers | DL24 | 290 | Scott Matlock | Boise State | Henry Mondeaux |
| 239 | Chargers | QB14 | 283 | Max Duggan | TCU | Bruce Gradkowski |
In the first 85 picks, the Chargers took two prospects I am extremely bullish on – WR Quentin Johnston and LB Daiyan Henley.
Johnston got nitpicked to death during this process, but I never wavered in him as WR1 on my board. He’s the only receiver in this class who has a clear path to becoming a star boundary receiver in the NFL.
Henley signed with Nevada as a two-star dual-threat quarterback in 2017 and was a rotational receiver and kick returner before ultimately finding his destiny at linebacker. He’s still learning the linebacker position, but the upside is clear. He’s a natural pass-rusher, he has a knack for zone coverage, and he’s a reliable tackler. Last year, Henley had a minuscule 5.2% missed tackle rate on 106 tackles.
The other picks I could have taken or left. The Chargers found themselves on the wrong-end of a furious edge-rushing run from picks 28-46 and panic-reached for local product Tuli Tuipulotu.
Somebody smarter than me will have to explain taking Derius Davis, my WR42, at No. 125 overall. The Chargers, apparently pot-committed to the TCU offense by this point, then took Johnston and Davis’ quarterback, Max Duggan. Duggan will be in an XFL stadium near you very soon. Sandwiching those reaches were two more in the form of OL Jordan McFadden and DL Scott Matlock.
Andrew Erickson’s Overview & Grades
Is Quentin Johnston the perfect fit for the Chargers? Yes. He’s big and fast enough to be a downfield weapon for Justin Herbert. He’s overrated as a contested-catch WR but underrated as a YAC machine. Could see him in line for big games should Mike Williams/Keenan Allen miss any time in 2023.
LA addressed defense on Day 2, but I do not think they did it in the best way. This team has been destroyed against the run year after year, and the picks they made suggest that won’t change in 2023. Tuli Tuipulotu is an undersized pass rusher (266 pounds, 0th percentile). Not a need whatsoever. And LB Daiyan Henley weighs 225 pounds (5th percentile).
LA so badly needs a defensive tackle and somebody to man the slot against the high-powered offenses in the AFC.
But they went in a different direction in Round 4, drafting another TCU wide receiver, Derius Davis. I like the approach behind the pick of a speedy wideout with elite return ability. However, it might have been a reach. And he also doesn’t help the major needs on defense.
Outside QJ (who is extremely boom-or-bust) the Chargers laid an egg with this draft class.
FINAL DRAFT GRADE: C
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