Chargers finally give Justin Herbert the weapon he needs in way-too-early 2025 mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers had some early picks in the 2024 NFL Draft that are going to benefit Justin Herbert and make life easier for him. 

Los Angeles was faced with the choice of OT Joe Alt or a playmaker like WR Malik Nabers at pick No. 5 and they went with the protection. It could be the right choice, but the Chargers need to continue to add weapons around their franchise quarterback high in the draft.

In a way-too-early 2025 mock draft from our own Travis May, the Chargers take another weapon for Hebert one year after taking WR Ladd McConkey in the second round.

Los Angeles Chargers select Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka at No. 15 overall

“Emeka Egbuka is just one season removed from putting up over 1200 yards and 12 total touchdowns while splitting work with Marvin Harrison Jr. for Ohio State when he was just a true sophomore. Injuries limited his 2023 season, but he's still the same five-star talent that makes difficult catches look routine (as you can see in my post below from the Buckeyes spring game). Egbuka should be a lock to be a first-round pick in 2025 and the Chargers still only really have one wide receiver as of now.” - Travis May, A to Z Sports

Egbuka is no stranger to Jim Harbaugh, as he went for 125 yards and a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in 2022 when Harbaugh was there. The Ohio State product would immediately come in and give the Chargers a guy who can make a defense pay after the catch.

Egbuka offers good speed which makes him a problem in space. The Buckeye has a history as a return man as well, which could be enticing with the new kickoff rules. The 6-foot-1 wideout opted to return to Columbus after a junior season of not being healthy and seeing his production cut in half from the previous year to 515 receiving yards.

There was a chance that Egbuka came out this year, many expected him to and believed he would be a second-round pick. Instead, he enters 2024 as the top target for Ohio State on paper with Marvin Harrison Jr. off to the NFL.

A pick for the Chargers that makes a lot of sense. This team can not stop building around Hebert, even if they want to run the rock under Harbaugh.