In Sports Illustrated’s latest two-round 2027 NFL mock draft, analyst Gilberto Manzano lays out a perfect blueprint to revamp the Chargers' offense.
With the No. 1 overall pick, Los Angeles selects Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Smith provides the true alpha weapon that quarterback Justin Herbert has sorely missed. Dropping Smith into an offense that ranks near the bottom of the league would instantly revitalize the team's aerial attack.
Through seven games, Smith has 984 yards and 12 touchdowns on 52 receptions, averaging an explosive 18.9 yards per catch. He has shattered several major school receiving records, including the Buckeyes' all-time career marks for receiving yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns.
In Round 2, Manzano
has the Bolts addressing the interior part of the offensive line with the pick of Notre Dame guard Anthonie Knapp.
Despite offseason efforts to address the position, the guard spot still leaves plenty to be desired. Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III have spent most of this season sidelined with their respective injuries, forcing the Chargers to roll with their rookies. On the opposite side, Cole Strange has been underwhelming at left guard.
After spending his first two seasons at left tackle, Knapp transitioned to left guard, a position he's excelled at for the Fighting Irish. A mauler in pass protection and in the run game, he would plug and play as early as his rookie season, with the ability to play tackle in a pinch.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers mock draft: LA bolsters offense in latest two-round projection
