The Los Angeles Chargers currently hold the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but one mock doesn’t think Jim Harbaugh’s team will end up making that selection. With needs throughout the roster, Los Angeles is in a situation where it could be in their best interest to trade back, accumulate picks, and look for multiple good players instead of one great one. With four quarterbacks expected to go off the board early, one would assume the Chargers would trade back with a quarterback-needy team like the Vikings or Giants. Instead, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Chargers trading back with the New York Jets.
In this chaotic trade, the top four quarterbacks go off the board with the first four picks. This leaves the Jets with the opportunity to acquire superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The Chargers, meanwhile, end up with the 11th-overall pick in this mock draft and use the selection on offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga.
Chargers, Jets, Agree To Wild Trade In Latest Mock Draft
This trade seems shocking at first but, on paper, it makes sense for both sides. The New York Jets have a strong roster with a 40-year-old quarterback, so they’re going to do everything in their power to win the Super Bowl during the final years of the Aaron Rodgers Era. The recently signed Mike Williams is a solid player, but he’s not good enough to prevent New York from going after a generational talent in Marvin Harrison Jr. Pairing him with Williams and Garrett Wilson will give the Jets an elite passing game that can match up against any offense in the league.
Marvin Harrison Jr no matter what 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XjBP6a9tqM
— Justin Fields Fan Club (@JustinFieldsFC) March 13, 2024
Chargers fans would probably hate this move, but it’s more likely than they’d like to admit. Recent reports indicate that the Chargers want to trade back and acquire an offensive lineman, and that’s just what they do in this mock draft. For better or worse, head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman believe in building a team through the run game and physical blocking, so they will prioritize improving the offensive line.
The Possible Hiccup
The biggest hurdle in this mock draft is the trade cost between the Chargers and the Jets. Most analysts believe the Chargers will trade back because J.J. McCarthy will still be on the board. Quarterback is easily the most important position in the game, but Los Angeles already has their franchise passer in Justin Herbert. A team like the Minnesota Vikings could be willing to give up both of their 2024 first-round picks for McCarthy. Alternatively, the New York Giants hold the sixth pick in the NFL Draft and the Chargers could trade with them, fall back one spot, and get an extra pick for basically nothing.
The New York Jets do not have a quarterback need, so they’re not going to pay quite as much for an admittedly amazing wide receiver prospect in Marvin Harrison Jr. Jeremiah’s mock draft only mentions the Chargers picking up a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is a pitiful return for passing on a player like Harrison.
Even if Jim Harbaugh would prefer to select a tackle, the mock draft cannot ignore the Chargers glaring need at wide receiver. Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer are the only players currently on the depth chart, and Marvin Harrison would solve a lot of their problems. If Los Angeles is going to pass on a great prospect at a position of need, the Jets would need to give up quite a bit in a trade.
Main Photo: Clare Grant – USA Today Sports
