New Chargers NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

This is a crucial year for the Los Angeles Chargers to win at least one playoff game under Jim Harbaugh.

After consecutive lopsided defeats in the wild-card round, they must make major strides to compete with the AFC's best. That starts with continuing to improve in the trenches.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Chargers will do with the No. 22 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 22): G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

The idea of a Jim Harbaugh-led team not featuring a hulking, brutalizing offensive line capable of taking over games is unimaginable. Last year should prove to be an aberration due to all of the injuries suffered up front, particularly at offensive tackle.

The Los Angeles Chargers can't be quite satisfied with how they're currently built in the trenches, though, particularly at guard, where they're currently projected to start two former first‑rounders who have struggled to live up to expectations in Trevor Penning and Cole Strange.

Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon can be a Day 1 starter and fit perfectly with what the team prefers.

"The Chargers' offensive identity under Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel should be a fascinating mix of philosophies (downhill, power-oriented contrasted with zone-heavy concepts)," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "What remains clear is the need to upgrade a guard with a stout, physical presence.

"Pregnon is a thickly built, heavy-handed prospect with very good upper-body strength, who will provide the team with a much-needed, firm anchor in the middle of their front five."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selection (No. 22): DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 22): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 22): Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 22): DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 22): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 22): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 22): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Summary

After the Texans and Patriots dismantled them in recent playoff matchups, it's no surprise to see the Chargers projected to take an offensive lineman. They can't continue to be dominated in the trenches if they want to contend in the AFC. Also, they can't expect Justin Herbert to play at his best if he continues to take consistent punishment.