Opinions run rampant before, during, and after each year’s NFL draft. Of course, nothing drastically changed this year and that’s why we’re going to continue talking about them. Like all opinions, you take them with a grain of salt, but try to focus on the positive over the negative.
At least, we try.
On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote up his 100 favorite picks from the weekend and five of the eight Chargers selections managed to make the cut. Ranging from the team’s top pick to one of their
last, here are the new Bolts that Miller loved.
48.) EDGE Akheem Mesior, Miami
Miller: Mesidor was often mentioned as the Chargers’ Round 1 target, especially once Ioane came off the board. In Mesidor, the Chargers got solid value and grabbed one of the last edge rushers to have a first-round grade after an early run at the position. He’ll be an outside rusher with stand-up ability but also has the skills to kick inside on some downs, which he did often in college. It’s easy to see Mesidor being very similar to new teammate Tuli Tuipulotu in terms of fit and usage. If Mesidor can equal Tuipulotu’s production, the Chargers will be ecstatic.
Mesidor comes in as Miller’s 48th-ranked draft pick on his list. Despite playing a premium position and going to a team that will utilize him great from the get-go, it seems like this was still one of the least-sexy picks in the first round. That’s likely due to to his advanced age coming out of college, but the rationale behind the pick makes sense regardless. The Chargers need to compete NOW and Mesidor is already entering his athletic prime. The Chargers don’t have to wait a year or two for him to get to this point. He’s ready to come in and make an impact immediately and he has one hell of a chance to do just that as part of the Bolts’ three-man pass rush rotation.
60.) WR Brenen Thompson, Miss State
Miller: A talented wide receiver corps gets a deep threat in Thompson. With a 4.26 40, Thompson was the fastest offensive player at the combine. That speed showed during his Mississippi State career, as he led the SEC in receiving yards last season. The Chargers have possession receivers in Ladd McConkey and Tre’ Harris, and the hope is that Quentin Johnston will continue to develop in the final year of his rookie deal, but drafting Thompson gives them a true field-stretching talent who can loosen up coverages.
Speed, speed, and more speed. That’s what Thompson will provide for the Chargers offense. A 4.26 40 is no joke, and if he was any taller, he would have seen his draft stock jump a lot higher. The best part about Thompson is that he actually runs the full route tree. He wins plenty deep, but he shows the ability to snap off a comeback, stick a foot in the ground, and burst past an initial tackle attempt to gain major YAC.
Long receptions are great, but being able to turn short completions in huge gains is a massive plus and will help break the will of opposing defenses.
67.) OT Travis Burke, Memphis
Miller: Injuries decimated the Chargers’ offensive line in 2025 to the point that drafting a tackle early became a priority for depth purposes. Burke started 30 games at left tackle and 16 at right tackle in college, making him the ideal swing tackle prospect. If he can hold down the third tackle position as a fourth-round pick, it’ll be a win for the Chargers given the history of injuries to starting left tackle Rashawn Slater.
A fast-riser in the draft process, scouts fell in love with Burke’s size and play demeanor. He’s a mean and nasty S.O.B out on the field and one heck of an insurance policy to have behind both Slater and Alt. When necessary, he’ll be a heck of a swing tackle to be utilized near the goal line.
82.) S Genesis Smith, Arizona
Miller: Safety was one of the top needs for the Chargers this offseason, and Smith was one of my favorite late Day 2 targets who ultimately fell to Day 3. With great size at 6-2 and 200 pounds, Smith didn’t post stellar 40 times in predraft workouts, but he’s an instinctive playmaker who can patrol deep and use his power to drive on ball-carriers and middle-of-the-field receivers. Tony Jefferson sees significant snaps despite being 34, so Smith should quickly find a home in sub packages.
The Chargers have a solid four safeties solidified entering this season so I don’t expect Smith to see a ton of play early on, but there was no debating that the Bolts needed to look to the future a bit in regards to this room. Derwin James isn’t getting any younger, Tony Jefferson is already old by the position’s standards, and Elijah Molden has a season-ending injury in 2024.
Smith gives the Chargers some youth in the group while providing a new body to play on the back end. His skillset fitting of a true free safety is something the Chargers have lacked for awhile.
95.) OG Logan Taylor, Boston College
Miller: The Chargers double-dipped at guard in Round 6, picking up Taylor and Alex Harkey within four picks of each other. Taylor’s value was just slightly better as the No. 134 player on my board. Picking up a versatile lineman who started 25 games at left tackle, 11 at left guard, eight at right guard and two at right tackle late on Day 3 is how you secure valuable depth.
This was actually one of my favorite picks from the Chargers’ class, mainly from an aesthetic stand point. Taylor is a massive guard prospect at 6’7 and has the versatility to play all but the pivot in a pinch. The Chargers didn’t just replace a number of bodies up front from last year’s room, they also increased the average height of the group by a wide margin. They added 6’7 Taylor, 6’9 Burke, and 6’6 Isaiah World as a undrafted free agent.
We have to see how things play out on the field, but just from eye-ball test alone, this is a much scarier looking group.
