Chargers’ blueprint for fixing 'NFL's worst WR depth chart'

Whether the Chargers boldly pull off a blockbuster trade for San Francisco 49ers playmaker Brandon Aiyuk, or prioritize taking the best receiver on the board when Los Angeles is on the clock with the No. 5 pick, head coach Jim Harbaugh simply cannot allow this to be the group on the receiving end of Herbert’s passes this season.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, there are two potentially generational pass-catchers at the top of this year’s class.

Los Angeles Chargers’ Ideal NFL Draft Target Revealed

Malik Nabers, alongside Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., belongs in the conversation as the premier wide receiver in this year’s class, and the Chargers are in the catbird seat to walk away with the LSU standout.

As the draft approaches, ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid unveiled the first-round target that can fill each team’s biggest need as well as the pick that provides the best value.

Given the dearth at receiver for the Chargers, it shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise that Nabers took home both categories.

“With the worst receiver depth chart in the league,” Reid writes on why Nabers fills the Chargers’ biggest need. “The Chargers are desperate for an electrifying talent like Nabers, who could ignite an offense that lacked explosive plays last season. He’d help replace Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.”

Adding Nabers would certainly soften the blow of losing Allen at the top of the depth chart.

“Nabers is sitting at No. 4 overall on my board,” Miller adds, pointing out that Nabers is excellent value, as well, for Los Angeles. “Making this a sweet value play for the Chargers while also setting up quarterback Justin Herbert with a young, game-changing wide receiver.”

Last season, Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards with 14 touchdowns, while averaging a healthy 17.6 yards per catch. Pairing Nabers with Herbert would be a strong foundation for Los Angeles’ offense.

Malik Nabers Scouting Report

Nabers is a walking explosive play waiting to happen.

During his three-year career at LSU, Nabers averaged 15.9 yards per catch on his 127 receptions for 3,003 yards with 21 touchdowns while also adding 21 rushing scores.

“Speed,” an AFC Scouting Director recently told me was Nabers’ best trait. “Complete vertical Threat, athletic player that can separate with speed and run away from second and third level defenders.”

Drafting Nabers would be adding a game-altering and versatile weapon to the Chargers’ offense that Harbaugh could line up all over the field to create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.

“He forced 27 missed tackles this past season,” Field Yates writes for ESPN. “And unofficially broke about that many ankles, as well. He’s an outstanding route runner and shows excellent awareness to find space against zone coverage, and his run-after-catch ability is equally as impressive. Nabers posted 1,569 yards in 2023, second in the FBS.”