Through the opening stretch of the 2026 season, it has become clear that the Chargers have an identity crisis on offense. Despite having one of the most gifted quarterbacks in Justin Herbert, the passing game has stalled and failed to meet preseason expectations, and the wide receiver corps has struggled to consistently create separation, stretch the field, or provide Herbert with a reliable safety valve.
If Los Angeles wants to get the most out of Herbert, they must aggressively pursue a high-end perimeter weapon in the 2027 NFL Draft. That is why The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner suggested that Indiana wideout Charlie Becker could help the Chargers.
Justin Herbert needs help. And, outside of Jeremiah Smith, Becker is the most quarterback-friendly receiver in the class. Not only does the 6-foot-3, 207-pounder play with top-end speed, but he has yet to drop a pass as a college player. He’s shown up big-time this year for the Hoosiers, with 39 catches for 694 yards and eight touchdowns.
His nine-catch, 165-yard day in a loss to Ohio State was one of the more impressive individual days we’ve seen from a college receiver this season. If Herbert is to bounce back in the near future, this is the type of weapon the Chargers have to find.
In an era where drops are common among young receivers, Becker has yet to drop a single pass in his college career. He possesses an elite catch radius and an alpha mentality when high-pointing the football. Whether rescuing an off-target throw or plucking a 50/50 ball out of the air, Becker is second to none at catching the football. Furthermore, he possesses legitimate linear speed and dynamic deep-threat capabilities.
Through eight games, he has racked up 42 receptions for 726 yards and 8 touchdowns, including a dominant 165-yard performance against a good Ohio State defense.
As it stands, the Chargers have the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft, which they'd almost certainly use on Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, the dream scenario. But if they win games and move down the board, Becker would still be a solid consolation prize somewhere in the top 10.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Could this 2027 NFL Draft prospect help the Chargers?