Chargers Draft Scouting: Who are the Number One Pick Contenders Outside of Jeremiah Smith?

The Los Angeles Chargers sit at 0-8, or last in the NFL. So far, they’ve shown no signs of improvement. This has led many fans to begin looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, where they currently hold the first pick. Right now, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the consensus choice, and rightfully so. But who could take his crown?

This isn’t saying whether one prospect is better than the other. Instead, it identifies potential choices Chargers fans should watch all year. Each of these players has a legit shot at being taken first and will be considered.

That said, here are four contenders for the first overall pick outside of Jeremiah Smith.

Drew Mestemaker

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has taken the nation by storm with 2,966 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. He’s also added 233 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Mestemaker’s gunslinging mentality, elite arm talent, and quick processing make him the predicted top quarterback in April. 

The Chargers have Justin Herbert, who’s been fantastic since being drafted in 2020. However, he’s had a disappointing year, and a new coaching staff could opt for a different signal-caller. If they choose to trade Herbert, don’t be surprised to hear Mestemaker’s name often.

Dylan Stewart

South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart has the highest ceiling of any defender. The six-foot-five, 250-pound junior has uncanny explosiveness. He pairs a lightning-quick first step with a full arsenal of pass-rush moves.

Despite drafting Akheem Mesidor last year, the Chargers need edge-rushing help. Khalil Mack is aging, and they need to usher in a new defensive era. As a result, it could make sense to draft Stewart early.

Leonard Moore

In my opinion, Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore is clearly the second-best prospect in the draft behind Jeremiah Smith. He’s the Frankenstein franchise cornerback: length, athleticism, technique, IQ, etc. He’s dominant in press-man coverage, using his physicality and elite movement skills, and is comfortable sitting in zone coverage.

Is it likely that Moore is selected first overall? Probably not. Cornerback is seen as a luxury position and is rarely drafted early. However, that shouldn’t stop the Chargers from considering him. He would be their franchise pillar on defense and give them a future All-Pro in the secondary.

Colin Simmons

Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart are neck and neck for the top defensive lineman. Simmons is the higher-floor prospect with his stifling run defense and proven production: 10.5 sacks in 2026 despite missing two games. Additionally, he’s a dangerous pass rusher and wins by converting speed-to-power and technique.

It’s the same argument I mentioned earlier with Stewart. The Chargers could bolster their defense and add a game-wrecking threat.