The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and for the Los Angeles Chargers, it was the first of a new era. General manager Joe Hortiz had his first Draft (likely with input from coach Jim Harbaugh). Ultimately, virtually all of the picks made were at positions of need for the Chargers. But were they the right ones?
Chargers 2024 Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 5: Joe Alt, OT
Whether the Chargers would go wide receiver or offensive lineman in the first round of the 2024 Draft was a subject of debate among the fans — and ultimately, Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh chose to build the trenches. On paper, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this pick. The Unanimous All-American was considered by some the best o-lineman in the Draft for a reason, and it’s telling that he was the first player taken that wasn’t a quarterback or wide receiver. With Alt at right tackle, the position should be secured for years to come for the Chargers.
Nevertheless, it cannot be ignored that the Chargers passed on wideout when the likes of Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze were there for the taking — and when the current top wideouts on the team are Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston. It would frankly be malpractice to have that still be the status quo come Week 1. Sure, protecting Justin Herbert is important, but does it matter if there’s hardly anyone that can reliably catch the ball? Therefore, I will have to dock a point off this grade. Great player, but arguably not the position that should have been drafted in the first round.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 34: Ladd McConkey, WR
The Chargers traded up from 37 for this pick, so they must have been pretty confident in who they wanted. Here they did go receiver, selecting McConkey. This is a case where the talent does seem to be there, but he’s not as proven as some might like—not in terms of stats, anyway. He did not have a 1,000-yard season in college.
In fairness, he did miss several games last year due to injury. And based on his reputation, he does seem to have the drive and intangibles that may help him succeed at the next level. Still, it’s hard to see him being an immediate-impact guy—which is what the Chargers need at receiver. McConkey will be an interesting player to watch, but he doesn’t solve the team’s wideout problem—at least, not for now, anyway.
Rating: B
Round 3, Pick 69: Junior Colson, LB
It was only a matter of time before Harbaugh got one of his guys from Michigan drafted. While inside linebacker wasn’t a desperate need, there were some questions, and adding a promising name to the mix can only help.
Colson has some issues with defending the run, but is good in pass coverage against halfbacks and tight ends. His upside is high, and Harbaugh and Jesse Minter will know how to get the best out of him. Overall, this should be a good fit for both sides, even if Colson doesn’t start for a bit.
Rating: A-
Round 4, Pick 105: Justin Eboigbe, DE
The interior of the defensive line was in need of sprucing up, but had been overlooked by most due to more urgent needs. He is certainly capable of bringing the heat as a pass-rusher, as he had seven sacks in 2023 and finished First-Team All-SEC. He falls in the category of “not most physically gifted but plays hard” — which could pan out well, but for now he will probably be a depth piece. He gave Michigan a hard time during the Rose Bowl, so that may have sold Harbaugh on him.
Rating: B
Round 5, Pick 137: Tarheeb Still, CB
Cornerback was arguably the second biggest need for the Chargers after wide receiver. It’s a bit eyebrow-raising that they waited this long, but they double-dipped in the fifth round to attempt to make up for it. Tarheeb Still wasn’t the most accoladed cornerback out there, but he did show ball-hawk abilities in 2023, grabbing five interceptions — tied for sixth best nationally. Whatever else he may need to work on, that’s nothing to sneeze at.
Rating: B+
Round 5, Pick 140: Cam Hart, CB
Cam Hart is a bigger cornerback at 6’3, and is known for physical play. However, his apparent lack of agility and quickness does make him a potential liability against certain matchups, especially in the NFL. He also does not have much of a nose for the ball, having only two interceptions his entire college career. Hart did mostly shut down Marvin Harrison Jr in their matchup this year, holding him to three receptions for 32 yards. So in the right matchups, he could be good, but is potentially a bit hit-or-miss.
Rating: B-
Round 6, Pick 181: Kimani Vidal, RB
Questions at running back persisted after signing Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins, given Dobbins’ injury concerns — and the fact that they were still missing a receiving threat at halfback. Enter Kimani Vidal, who rushed for 1,661 yards (2nd best in the nation) and 14 touchdowns, and does have receiving ability. He’s also noted for pass protection ability.
The reason Vidal went this low is likely his size at 5’8. That said, that likely just makes him the next Austin Ekeler/Darren Sproles type for the Chargers. He will likely be just a change-of-pace back, but he has the potential to be a dynamic weapon.
Rating: A-
Round 7, Pick 225: Brenden Rice, WR
One of the sons of Jerry Rice, Brenden Rice caught 11 touchdowns with USC last year. He is known for his physicality, able to fight for his catches. He slipped further than expected, possibly due to not being as skilled as route-running. One has to wonder if there were any other concerns about Rice going into the Draft, but in the seventh round, taking a flier on him is very low-risk/high-reward.
Rating: B
Round 7, Pick 253: Cornelius Johnson, WR
Surprisingly, this was the only other Michigan pick in the Draft for Harbaugh. Cornelius Johnson seems to be in the realm of having raw ability, but hasn’t made much use of it. Perhaps Harbaugh thinks he can build him up into something good, but unless he improves (particularly at route-running), it’s hard to see him carving out much of a spot.
Rating: C
Overall
It still seems like a travesty that the Chargers did not go for a wideout in the first round, but they did pick a few later—and most of the picks they made, as said before, were areas of need. And they did a pretty good job with the late-round picks. Some of these players are definitely projects, though. And in part because of that, it’s still going to potentially leave some position groups in a shaky spot in the short-term. Ultimately, this is a draft class with a promising future, but at least in the interim, I will remain utterly baffled that they did not take Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze when they had the chance.
Final Chargers 2024 Draft Rating: B+
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
