Los Angeles Chargers (Last Year: 5-12)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Chargers lost so many pieces offensively, so they’ll need to replenish Justin Herbert’s arsenal. Two receivers, a running back, and a tight end are needed. And yet, John Harbaugh told the media that he wants to “beef up” the offensive line, so that’s another area the Chargers must address.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Chargers had a puzzling start to the draft. They wanted a new right tackle, yet they used the No. 5 overall pick on a left tackle who has never played right tackle before in his entire football career. Joe Alt is very talented and could succeed at this new position, but this hasn’t been an automatic transition for other players in the past.
Aside from that possible blunder, the Chargers had a strong draft. While they passed on elite receiver at No. 5, they were able to find three promising players at the position in Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice, and Cornelius Johnson. Running back was also addressed via Kimani Vidal, albeit later than expected. The only pick I strongly disliked was Tarheeb Still.
I had a tough time deciding between a B+ or a “B” for the Chargers’ overall grade. I went with the latter because of the risk pertaining to Alt’s positioning, but if he ends up being a great right tackle, this could end up being a stellar draft class.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
5. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame – C+ Grade
So much for that J.C. Latham nonsense. The Chargers are drafting the best player available, but there are three reasons to dislike this pick. First, no trade was made, but that’s not a huge deal. Second, the Chargers are passing on the top receivers despite having nothing at receiver. And third, the Chargers a picking a player to play right tackle who has zero experience playing right tackle. This selection could still pan out, but it’s hard to like very much.
34. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia – B+ Grade
The Chargers finally get a receiver, as Ladd McConkey seems like a decent replacement for Keenan Allen. I like McConkey in this range, but I wonder why the Chargers had to surrender a fourth-round pick to make it happen with so many quality receivers available. Update: The compensation was a fourth- and fifth-round swap, so I like this better.
69. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan – A+ Grade
Jim Harbaugh gets his man. Junior Colson is a player I had slotted earlier in the second round, so getting Colson in the third frame is a steal. Colson also fills a need for the Chargers, who have had issues at linebacker for a very long time.
105. Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama – B+ Grade
The Chargers needed to add help to their defensive line, as I had them drafting Kris Jenkins in the second round. They finally address the need with someone who could have gone in the third frame. Justin Eboigbe is limited athletically, but he’s a rock-solid player.
137. Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland – D Grade
We didn’t have Tarheeb Still ranked. I saw him in the seventh round of some mocks. In other words, this is a reach, but we’re in the fifth round, so something like this isn’t worthy of a Millen grade – but it’s close.
140. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame – A+ Grade
The Chargers reached for a cornerback a couple of picks earlier, but they’re getting a major steal with this selection. Cam Hart was a second-day prospect, so it’s shocking that he fell to the fifth frame. It wouldn’t be surprising if Hart ends up becoming a good starter for the Chargers in the near future.
181. Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy – B+ Grade
The Chargers finally get a running back. Kimani Vidal is a quick runner who was projected as a fifth-rounder who could maybe sneak into the fourth. This is a solid value that fills a need.
225. Brenden Rice, WR, USC – A+ Grade
I don’t understand why Brenden Rice fell so far. I thought he could have gone in the third or fourth round. This is a major steal for the Chargers, who really needed to find more talent at receiver.
253. Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan – A- Grade
Another steal late in the seventh round. Cornelius Johnson is a big (6-2, 212) receiver who could be a nice end zone threat. He wasn’t super productive at Michigan, but Jim Harbaugh ran the ball a lot, so I don’t really blame Johnson for the lesser production.
Season Summary:
The Chargers were arguably the most disappointing team in the NFL last year. Injuries and poor coaching capsized their chances, but there’s still plenty of talent on the roster.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Two Cornerbacks: The inability to stop the pass was the Chargers’ greatest weakness last year. Their cornerbacks aside from Asante Samuel Jr. were horrific. Signed Kristian Fulton
- Linebacker: Kenneth Murray has been a huge bust. It’s time the Chargers finally replace him. Signed Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye
- Defensive Tackle: San Angeles was able to generate plenty of pressure on the edge, but that didn’t happen nearly as much in the interior. Signed Poona Ford
- Guard: The Chargers had horrific guard play last year. There’s a chance one of their guards will pan out, but at least one interior blocker should be added.
- Right Tackle: It’s unclear why the Chargers gave Trey Pipkins a big contract. He continued to be a liability last year.
- Running Back: Austin Ekeler is an impending free agent, but there were some age (29) and durability concerns with him anyway. Signed Gus Edwards
- Tight End: Gerald Everett needed to be upgraded, but he’s scheduled to hit the market anyway. Signed Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Los Angeles Chargers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
