The Los Angeles Chargers have yet to win a game this season, falling to 0-6 after a recent defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the pressure on quarterback Justin Herbert is mounting. Despite calls from some corners to move on from Herbert in light of the team’s struggles, ESPN analyst Field Yates expects the Chargers to stick with their quarterback and instead use their potential top overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to add wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Yates outlined his projection on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting the Chargers will prioritise bolstering Herbert’s support rather than replacing him. Smith, a standout at Ohio State, is considered one of the top receiver prospects in recent college football history and would likely have been a first-round draft choice had he declared after his freshman year.
The Chargers’ offense, under new coordinator Mike McDaniel, has failed to meet expectations this year. Herbert has faced challenges, but he has been let down by a receiving corps that ranks near the bottom of the NFL for dropped passes and lacks dynamic playmakers. Adding a player like Smith could immediately address those weaknesses and improve the team’s offensive production.
After six straight losses, the Chargers find themselves in an unexpected position to secure the first overall pick in a draft heavy with quarterback options. However, Yates’ stance suggests the team sees more value in reinforcing Herbert’s weapons than starting anew at quarterback.
Smith’s arrival would provide a fresh target for Herbert and could inject some much-needed energy into an offense that has struggled to generate consistent plays. The wide receiver’s ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch would be a welcome addition for a team desperate for offensive sparks.
For Chargers fans, the prospect of landing Smith offers a glimmer of hope amid a difficult season. While the team’s current record is far from what was expected, securing a player of Smith’s calibre in the draft could represent a strategic move to keep Herbert and McDaniel in place for another season.
The Chargers’ decision on how to approach the draft will be closely watched as the season progresses. For now, Field Yates’ projection stands as a clear indication that, at least from his perspective, the team’s future hinges on improving around Herbert rather than moving on from him.
According to Yahoo Sports.
