With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Los Angeles Chargers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Los Angeles Chargers rookies?
- Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU | Round 1, Pick 21
- Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC | Round 2, Pick 54
- Daiyan Henley, LB, Washington State | Round 3, Pick 85
- Derius Davis, WR, TCU | Round 4, Pick 125
- Jordan McFadden, OG, Clemson | Round 5, Pick 156
- Scott Matlock, DT, Boise State | Round 6, Pick 200
- Max Duggan, QB, TCU | Round 7, Pick 239
Los Angeles Chargers Draft Class Grade:
The Chargers received an A- rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B from ESPN, and a C+ from NFL Network.
Which Chargers Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Chargers addressed the wide receiver position a year early with the selection of Quentin Johnston (first round). Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Josh Palmer are all set to hit free agency after 2024, and Allen and/or Williams could potentially be traded after 2023 to free up cap room.
Johnston has the body of a traditional outside receiver at 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, but he’s never played like it. Johnston is far more accomplished in his production after the catch than creating separation down the field.
Based on route-adjusted metrics, Johnston produced 26.9% more yards after the catch than expected. That after-catch production should translate to the league, but it’s odd for a receiver of his size to have 25% of his receptions on screens.
He’ll need to develop his ability to create separation downfield and win with his size to live up to his draft slot.
Tuli Tuipulotu (second round) is a versatile defensive weapon who probably fits best on the edge. Tuipulotu's production at USC was suppressed by having played on the interior for 25% of snaps against the pass.
When lined up on the edge, however, he ranked sixth in the Pac-12 in pressure rate (15.4%). The Chargers primarily line up in three-man fronts.
Due to his below-average length, Tuipulotu fits best on the edge as a backup to Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
Daiyon Henley (third round) is a rangy off-ball linebacker who will back up Kenneth Walker and Eric Kendricks in 2023 and will likely be expected to take one of their jobs the following year.
Walker is a free agent after the season, and the two-year deal Kendricks signed is structured in a way the Chargers could easily move on after one year if desired.
Henley is still developing his coverage skills, so he may struggle to get on the field early in his career outside of special teams.
The Chargers reached for return specialist Derius Davis (fourth round). He is unlikely to have a role beyond special teams.
The Chargers’ average starting field position on kickoffs was their own 24.3-yard line, which ranked 29th in the league. Davis averaged 22 yards per kick return in college and also had five career punt returns for touchdowns.
Jordan McFadden (fifth round) is a traits-based projection who will try to buck a long-running trend of Clemson offensive linemen failing in the pros. Clemson’s screen-heavy passing game leaves its offensive linemen underprepared to block in an NFL scheme.
That said, McFadden clearly has the length and athleticism to play tackle in the pros and may have the strength to shift inside as well.
Scott Matlock (sixth round) is another developmental project based on impressive athletic traits. Matlock ranked fifth in the Mountain West in pressure rate when lined up on the interior defensive line (8.2%) but was inconsistent as a run defender.
He will likely provide depth at defensive end in three-man fronts.
Max Duggan (seventh round) will compete with Easton Stick for the backup job behind Justin Herbert but has little upside beyond that.
Duggan is a run-first quarterback who never developed into a consistent passer. Based on route-adjusted data, Duggan’s on-target rate was 4.0% below expected last year, 3.3% below expected in 2021, and 2.3% below expected in 2020 一 that’s a long track record of sub-par performances as a passer.
This class likely doesn’t provide much immediate help for the Chargers, which may frustrate fans hoping to see the team take another step forward in 2023. General manager Tom Telesco clearly prioritized drafting for the future. Johnston, Tuipulotu, and Henley are all positioned to replace departing veterans in 2024.