Examining Chargers’ chances of landing Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith in 2027 NFL Draft to save Justin Herbert appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Chargers are officially in crisis, and the upcoming bye week could be the beginning of a massive organizational reset.
Sitting at 0-6 after another disappointing loss, the Chargers look nowhere close to turning their season around. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could be the first casualty, but the bigger question is how Los Angeles can finally give Justin Herbert the supporting cast he needs to succeed.
Sure, it may be a tiring question, but one answer could be waiting in the 2027 NFL Draft: Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
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Smith has established himself as one of the most exciting wide receiver prospects in recent memory, and he could be the kind of generational talent who transforms an NFL offense. If the Chargers somehow land the No. 1 overall pick, passing on Smith would be incredibly difficult to justify. Los Angeles has spent years asking Herbert to carry an offense that has consistently failed to provide him with enough reliable weapons. Smith could finally change that.
Justin Herbert desperately needs a true No. 1 receiver
Herbert has struggled through the Chargers’ disastrous start, and quarterbacks will always receive the largest share of the blame when an offense fails. However, the circumstances surrounding his supporting cast cannot be ignored.
The offensive line has become a major concern, with Cole Strange at right guard and four rookies filling out the rest of the unit. Ladd McConkey has been dealing with injuries, Tre Harris is now hurt, and Quentin Johnston has not established himself as a dependable No. 1 receiver. Even Johnston has missed time, leaving Herbert with few reliable options when the offense needs to make a play.
Herbert has had opportunities to work with talented receivers, including Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and McConkey during his impressive rookie season. But the Chargers have never consistently surrounded him with the kind of elite receiving talent that could make their quarterback even more dangerous.
Smith could change that immediately.
The Ohio State star has dominated college football since arriving in Columbus, and his combination of size, athleticism, and production has made him a legitimate candidate to become the first overall pick. His résumé has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest receiver prospects in NFL history, and his potential impact at the next level is difficult to ignore.
Los Angeles needs offensive line help, too. But if Smith is available with a top-three selection, the Chargers should seriously consider taking the best player on the board rather than forcing a positional need.
Could the Chargers actually land the No. 1 pick?
At 0-6, Los Angeles has put itself in position to compete for the top selection. Unfortunately, the Chargers also have the NFL’s most difficult remaining schedule by some measures, leaving little reason to expect a sudden turnaround.
The Miami Dolphins are also winless, sitting at 0-5 after their bye week. That makes the Week 16 matchup between Los Angeles and Miami especially important. If both teams continue to struggle, that game could have major implications for the race to the top of the draft.
The Chargers also have games against the Raiders, Buccaneers, and Jets that could provide opportunities to finally get into the win column. But winning those games could complicate their draft position, particularly if Miami continues losing.
The organization must recognize the bigger picture. If the Chargers are already heading toward a lost season, a late-season victory that does little to change their future could carry a high cost if it pushes them out of position to draft Smith.
The top pick is not guaranteed, and Miami remains a serious competitor for it. But the Chargers have a realistic path to being in the conversation.
Jeremiah Smith could be the answer for the Chargers
Los Angeles used its first-round pick in 2026 on edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, who has the potential to become a major defensive contributor. The next draft should be about helping Herbert, and Smith is a clear target.
The 2027 class is expected to feature a plethora of quarterback prospects, but the Chargers should not be thinking about replacing Herbert after one disastrous season. He is too talented to abandon, especially after receiving MVP votes last season. The priority should be building an offense that allows him to play at his best.
Smith could become the kind of receiver who forces defenses to change their entire approach. The Chargers have spent too much time asking Herbert to overcome roster deficiencies. If Smith is available, Los Angeles needs to make sure it has every opportunity to draft him.
The bye week gives the organization time to evaluate its coaching staff and long-term direction. McDaniel’s future may be uncertain, and the offensive line still needs significant attention, but the biggest decision could come months from now.
Draft Jeremiah Smith, give Herbert the elite weapon he has never consistently had, and finally build an offense worthy of a franchise quarterback.
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