The Los Angeles Chargers have failed to live up to expectations over the last three seasons.
Now, the Jim Harbaugh era has started in Los Angeles. His first task will be to retool a roster by making a handful of tough personnel decisions to get under the salary cap heading into his first season as the lead man for the Chargers.
Once that is complete, his attention will turn to the 2024 NFL Draft to help mold the roster into his vision for this franchise moving forward. We get to aid in this process by using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, which we will utilize for this projection based on their current draft capital.
Los Angeles Chargers 2024 NFL Draft Picks
After the Chargers’ disappointing 2023 campaign, they hold the fifth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Los Angeles has a handful of positions to address this offseason, but a big focus will be centered on putting the right personnel around Justin Herbert to help take his game to the next level.
- Round 1, Pick 5: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
- Round 2, Pick 37: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
- Round 3, Pick 69: Braden Fiske, DT, FSU
- Round 4, Pick 106: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
- Round 5, Pick 139: Tanor Bortolini, OC, Wisconsin
- Round 6, Pick 183: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
- Round 7, Pick 223: Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming
- Round 7*, Pick 256: Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois
* denotes compensatory/conditional pick
Los Angeles Chargers 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 5: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The odds of the organization bringing two pricey veteran wide receivers for the upcoming season feel pretty unlikely. Assuming the team releases either Keenan Allen or Mike Williams this offseason, the team could be in the market for a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver.
Now, I’m fully aware the team invested their first-round pick last year in Quentin Johnston out of TCU, and the jury is still out on that pick despite his very disappointing rookie year.
That said, Herbert needs a dynamic vertical weapon to unlock his truly elite potential under center. Not only can LSU’s Malik Nabers win vertically, but he can create separation effortlessly both in his release package and at the breakpoint with his suddenness, twitch, and tempo variation.
Then throw in his dynamic playmaking ability after the catch, and Nabers could form a deadly pair with Herbert for years to come.
Round 2, Pick 37: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
The Chargers’ experiment with J.C. Jackson didn’t go quite as well as the organization hoped when they gave him a market-value contract a couple of seasons ago. This puts the team in the market for a difference maker opposite of Asante Samuel Jr. at the cornerback position.
Well, the University of Georgia has once again sent us another starting-caliber corner in Kamari Lassiter, who is a dawg — pun intended — in run support while showcasing a skill set in 2023 that can thrive in both zone and man principles.
Round 3, Pick 69: Braden Fiske, DT, FSU
One of the biggest risers from the 2024 NFL Combine was Braden Fiske from FSU, whose impressive testing metrics helped his stock rise at the defensive tackle position by a fair margin.
Tuli Tuipulotu had a standout rookie campaign, but the team could certainly use another contributor along the interior of the defensive line. Some may argue a bigger 0-technique may be a more ideal fit alongside Tuipulotu, but Fiske’s motor and athleticism could see him contribute immediately.
Round 4, Pick 106: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Austin Ekeler’s production plummeted during his final year under contract with the Chargers and will see him enter free agency as an unrestricted free agent. This leaves Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson as the only two backs under contract for 2024.
MORE: Top RBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
If Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright lasts until the fourth round, like in this mock draft, the Chargers could consider addressing the position with this pick.
Wright’s explosiveness was on full display at the NFL Combine, which saw exceptional performances in the 40-yard dash (4.38) and the board jump (11’2”). His skill set would give this offense an immediate jolt of playmaking ability and could expand into a permanent role if he wins the starting job.
Round 5, Pick 139: Tanor Bortolini, OC, Wisconsin
The potential loss of center Corey Linsley looms large over the offensive line heading into next season. In addition, the Chargers could potentially use some depth at the right guard position behind Jamaree Salyer.
Wisconsin’s Tanor Bortolini spent time at both center and guard during his collegiate career, which could prove quite valuable for this current collection of players up front. His versatility, athleticism, and ferociousness at the point of attack could contribute early in his NFL career.
Round 6, Pick 183: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona
The tight end position hasn’t had a permanent answer since Hunter Henry left via free agency years ago. Gerald Everett is set to become an unrestricted free agent, leaving Donald Parham Jr. as a potential starting option at this moment.
Well, Arizona’s Tanner McLachlan has the type of functional athleticism, soft hands, and some sneaky run-after-the-catch skills that could contribute to the passing game early in his career and potentially into a starting role down the road.
Round 7, Pick 223: Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming
Wyoming’s Frank Crum enters the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the most experienced tackle prospects in the class. He is a four-year starter who spent time at both right and left tackle during his collegiate career, providing a potential depth piece on the roster if he can clean up his footwork in pass sets.
Round 7, Pick 256: Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois
Los Angeles takes one more swing for the fences with a tackle prospect with extensive reach, surprising agility, and functional sliding ability that could develop into a starting-caliber tackle.
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