We're officially into April, which means we are just weeks away from the 2025 NFL draft. Free agency was a bit of mixed results for the Chargers, but time will tell on the signings that were made.
Focus now shifts toward the draft, and general manager Joe Hortiz will aim to put together another phenomenal class. With a few key needs still throughout the roster, the front office must capitalize on its picks to improve this team and make it a legitimate contender.
Let's mock up the first two picks for the Chargers.
Round 1, No. 22: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
I'm not entirely confident that Loveland falls to the 22nd pick, and the Chargers may just have to trade up to get the coveted tight end. The position is a major area of need as the group is in dire need of a long-term option. IF Loveland is there at 22, the Chargers shouldn't hesitate.
We've seen the connections head coach Jim Harbaugh has brought over from Michigan to the NFL. This would be the latest example, as Harbaugh coached Loveland as part of their 2024 National Championship squad. The big target would become a perfect intermediate threat for Justin Herbert.
Round 2, No. 55: WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
With tight end taken care of, the front office could go several ways here between defensive line, wideout, running back, or edge rusher. One or two of those spots can still be filled with veterans in free agency, but this team needs a young playmaker on the outside.
Loveland will help shore up the middle of the field, but Herbert needs another perimeter threat to get the ball to. That leads to Higgins, who was ultra-productive in his two years at Iowa State in the Big 12. He is a well-rounded prospect with good size and ran an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash.
Higgins was one of the best wideouts in the country over the last two years, racking up over 2,100 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. The 6'4" playmaker was Second-Team All-Big 12 and Third-Team All-American for his incredible 2024 senior campaign. This guy seems to have a high floor and would alleviate some pressure off incoming sophomore Ladd McConkey.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Two-round mock draft: Chargers get pair of pass-catching playmakers