NFL Mock Draft Simulation's Debut Is Colossal Disaster For Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers select a receiver in the first round, but it may not be the best fit for their needs.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:22pm

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In a new NFL mock draft simulation, the Los Angeles Chargers are projected to select wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the 22nd overall pick. However, many are questioning whether Cooper is the right choice to address the team's need for a top receiving threat, as he may not be an immediate impact player.

Why it matters

The Chargers struggled to have a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver in the 2025 season, highlighting their need for more offensive weapons. While Cooper is a talented player, some believe the Chargers could have addressed a bigger need, such as the offensive line, with their first-round pick.

The details

The Chargers' current receiving corps consists of Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, which is considered a good but not great group. The team has been linked to trade rumors involving A.J. Brown, but a deal has not materialized. With the draft just a few weeks away, the Chargers could opt to select another first-round receiver, and the PFF mock draft simulation has them taking Cooper, who is coming off a strong 2025 season at Indiana.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away.

The players

Mike McDaniel

The new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Keenan Allen

A free agent wide receiver who previously played for the Chargers.

A.J. Brown

A wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles who has been linked to trade rumors with the Chargers.

Omar Cooper Jr.

A wide receiver prospect from Indiana University who is projected to be selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kadyn Proctor

An offensive guard prospect who some believe the Chargers could have selected instead of Cooper to address a bigger need on the offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“This is probably one of the worst mock drafts put out this offseason, as evidenced by the 222 replies.”

— Andrew Parsaud, Author

“Seeing as how the board fell, the Chargers could've filled an even bigger need by selecting Kadyn Proctor, who projects to be a guard at the next level, to slot in at one of their spots.”

— Andrew Parsaud, Author

What’s next

The Chargers will have to weigh their options and decide whether Cooper is the best fit for their first-round pick, or if they should target a different position to address a more pressing need.

The takeaway

This mock draft simulation highlights the difficult decisions the Chargers face in the upcoming draft, as they try to find the right balance between addressing their need for offensive weapons and filling other gaps on the roster. The selection of Cooper, while not a bad pick, may not be the optimal choice to significantly improve the team's offense.