Long-time NFL Draft guru makes final prediction on Los Angeles Chargers' first two picks for Jim Harbaugh's next rookie class

Jim Harbaugh is an enigma that no one truly knows how to figure out. For this year's NFL Draft, he could go a lot of different ways to improve his roster for the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. tried to predict the Chargers' first two picks in this year's draft recently.  His latest (and […]

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Jim Harbaugh is an enigma that no one truly knows how to figure out. For this year's NFL Draft, he could go a lot of different ways to improve his roster for the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. tried to predict the Chargers' first two picks in this year's draft recently. 

His latest (and final) two-round 2025 mock draft just dropped on ESPN here.

Chargers' picks in Mel Kiper's final mock draft

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State

Los Angeles would love for one of the top three receivers or top two tight ends to be sitting there when it is on the clock. And there's a chance the Chargers reach slightly for someone like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or Luther Burden III (Missouri). I lean toward a better value move: Pick an impact lineman for the run game now, and wait until Day 2 for a deep pool of playmakers. Zabel played all over in college, with starts at both tackle positions and both guard spots. He's a tone-setter who drives defenders off the ball, and he could help open rush lanes at left guard.

Per ESPN Research, Zabel would join Trevor Penning (2022) and Lester Holmes (1993) as the only non-FBS offensive linemen selected in the top 22 picks since the 1978 FBS/FCS split. — Mel Kiper Jr.

The need remains on the interior of the offensive line for the Chargers. 

Yes, they signed Mekhi Becton to start at guard, but Bradley Bozeman was inconsistent at best last season for LA. Zabel can play center at a high level in the future and could even grab that starting role by the start of his rookie season. 

Justin Herbert has to stay upright for the Charges to succeed on offense. This selection makes sure that happens more often than not. Their offensive tackles are long-term franchise pieces. Now, solidify the interior and thrive.

55. Los Angeles Chargers: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

The Chargers signed Tyler Conklin, and drafting Taylor would fill out an intriguing tight end room for quarterback Justin Herbert. Taylor is a big target at 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds. He caught 55 passes last season with just one drop. — Mel Kiper Jr.

This is great value for a player that cannot stop climbing when it comes to prospect rankings or mock draft projections recently. Taylor is a downfield threat from the tight end position and moves incredibly well for his size with the ball in his hands. 

Taylor was a three-year starter for the LSU Tigers, amassing 129 receptions for 1,308 yards and six touchdowns throughout his college career. His relative athletic score (RAS) is one of the best all-time (H/T Kent Lee Plattee). — Nick Roesch

The addition of Tyler Conklin should not prevent LA from addressing the TE position sometime early in this year's draft, either. He's a fine veteran to add to a room, but his production in the receiving game has been limited. Will Dissly struggled to finish last year, so upgrading at TE makes a lot of sense on every level. 

Kiper Jr.'s mock draft would certainly be one focused on helping out Justin Herbert as much as possible. 

The cornerstone franchise QB was let down too often in crunch time last season, and Jim Harbaugh will be determined to prevent that from occurring again. 

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