NFL Mock Draft By AI Betrays Chargers With Risky Pick

The Los Angeles Chargers have a clear need on the offensive line, but an AI-generated mock draft makes a questionable selection.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an NFL offensive line, with players and equipment broken down into abstract geometric shapes and planes of color, conveying the complexity and importance of building a strong offensive front.An AI-generated NFL mock draft suggests an unconventional pick for the Chargers' offensive line, raising questions about how to best protect their star quarterback.Los Angeles Today

A new NFL mock draft generated by an AI system has the Los Angeles Chargers selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller, despite the team's clear need for help at the guard position. The Chargers already have one of the best offensive tackle duos in the league with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, as well as a capable swing tackle in Trey Pipkins, so taking a tackle and hoping he can convert to guard would be an odd choice given the strong guard prospects available in this draft class.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line is a critical area that needs to be addressed in the upcoming draft in order to provide better protection for star quarterback Justin Herbert. The team's new offensive scheme under head coach Mike McDaniel also requires specific skill sets from the linemen, so getting the right fit is crucial.

The details

The AI-generated mock draft from Meta, as reported by USA Today's Jacob Camenker, has the Chargers selecting Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with their first-round pick. While Miller is a talented prospect, the Chargers' more pressing need is at the guard position, not tackle. The team already has its starting tackle duo locked in with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, as well as a capable swing tackle in Trey Pipkins. The bigger question marks are at the guard spots, where the Chargers are hoping 2022 third-round pick Cole Strange can solidify one spot, while the other remains a concern.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29, 2023.

The players

Justin Herbert

The star quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, who needs better protection up front to continue his success.

Mike McDaniel

The new head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, who is installing his own offensive scheme and has specific skill set requirements for his offensive linemen.

Blake Miller

A talented offensive tackle prospect from Clemson University, who was selected by an AI-generated mock draft as the Chargers' first-round pick.

Rashawn Slater

The Chargers' starting left tackle, who forms one of the best offensive tackle duos in the NFL with Joe Alt.

Joe Alt

The Chargers' starting right tackle, who forms one of the best offensive tackle duos in the NFL with Rashawn Slater.

Trey Pipkins

The Chargers' capable swing tackle, who provides depth and versatility to the offensive line.

Cole Strange

The Chargers' 2022 third-round pick, who is expected to solidify one of the guard spots on the offensive line.

Tyler Biadasz

The Chargers' new starting center, who is an upgrade over the previous center but needs to be surrounded by above-average guards.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Chargers need more help along the interior offensive line than they do at the tackle position. Meta lauded Miller as having "versatility," so maybe it envisions him kicking inside to right guard after seeing him play right tackle for most of his career at Clemson.”

— Jacob Camenker, USA Today reporter

What’s next

The Chargers will continue to evaluate their options for the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on finding the right fit to address their needs on the offensive line and provide better protection for quarterback Justin Herbert.

The takeaway

This AI-generated mock draft highlights the importance of teams thoroughly evaluating their roster needs and not relying solely on automated systems to make crucial draft decisions. The Chargers have a clear priority to strengthen their interior offensive line, and they will need to be strategic in their approach to the 2023 NFL Draft to ensure they select the right players to fit their scheme and protect their star quarterback.