Chargers lean into bigger, more physical offense in Mel Kiper’s 2-round mock draft

The Chargers land a new starting guard and tight end in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft.

The great Mel Kiper dropped his latest two-round mock draft of the offseason and he has the Chargers leaning full into the offensive side of the ball by picking both a new offensive guard to protect Justin Herbert and a new tight end for him to throw to.

Let’s go ahead and dive in.

22. Grey Zabel, OG, North Dakota State

With the 22nd pick, Kiper has the Chargers selecting FCS offensive tackle-turned guard Grey Zabel out of powerhouse North Dakota State.

Zabel played every position but center at point or another during his time with the Bison. He would likely fit in at left guard with the Chargers and despite playing mainly tackle in his collegiate career, Zabel’s play demeanor and skillset would fit right in today’s modern guard. He’s taller at 6’6 and 312 pounds but Zabel shows a real awareness for his pad level off the snap. Even when he isn’t the low man in the conflict, he exhibits the strength to forklift defensive linemen and torque them out of running lanes.

After helping the Bison win the 2024 FCS National Championship, Zabel was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl where he impressed in competition against the top senior talent in the country. Once a likely day two pick, he surged up draft boards after dominating those who excelled at the highest level.

This isn’t going to be a sexy pick by any means, especially since it’d be to replace another guard whom the Chargers picked in the first round not too long ago. However, the team needs to get better in the trenches ASAP and that may mean having to admit certain players just aren’t progressing the way many believed they would.

55. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

We’ve all heard this name before in previous mock drafts and it looks like we’ll continue to hear it following his recent visit with the Chargers.

Taylor’s hype this pre-draft cycle only continues to grow. He’s mainly been viewed amongst that second tier of tight ends in this class but some insiders have noted he may even find his way into the bottom of the first round. I don’t necessarily believe that will happen, but all it takes is one team to fall in love in order for it to become reality.

At 6’5 and 251 pounds, Taylor has the ideal blend of receiving chops and blocking ability that you want in your starting tight end. Now that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have some room to improve as a blocker, but the traits are there to foresee him progressing in the years to come. As a receiver, Taylor is a natural hands-catcher who made numerous grabs away from his frame and over his shoulder. He’s not an elite athlete, but the fluid movement skills are still evident on tape. He cuts and creates separation from defenders with efficient, smooth strides.

Some believe Taylor’s best football is still ahead of him as LSU may not have been doing him justice within their offense. If he does land with a team like the Chargers, there’s no doubt Jim Harbaugh will find a way to get the most out of him.