One of the biggest questions after general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh were hired is what would the Los Angeles Chargers draft class look like in 2024. While a true determination for the success of the Chargers draft class can’t be determined for years, it is already generating a lot of praise.
Los Angeles had a task ahead of it with limited draft picks and a lot of needs to fill. Trading down from the fifth overall pick to acquire more draft capital or selecting wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 5 seemed like more reasonable options.
Instead, Harbaugh and Hortiz stuck to their philosophy of first building through the trenches by snagging Joe Alt with the first pick made by the new regime. It was followed by a series of draft picks that continue to receive strong reviews from top NFL Draft analysts.
In a poll of ESPN NFL analysts, writer Aaron Schatz named the Chargers as the team that will have the most impactful rookie class from the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Joe Alt will be a force as the starting right tackle. Junior Colson will likely wear the green dot as a starting inside linebacker and will lead the team in tackles. Ladd McConkey will be featured as the slot receiver, and either Brenden Rice and/or Cornelius Johnson will get serious playing time despite waiting until the seventh round to be selected.”
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz on why the Los Angeles Chargers draft class will be the most impactful in 2024
Under the previous regime, Los Angeles would typically receive praise for its first-round selection but there would be a lot of skepticism regarding the picks on Day 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft. Under Harbaugh and Hortiz, it’s the Chargers draft picks in Rounds 2-7 that generate the most buzz.
Also Read: 2024 fantasy football rankings
Schatz also named running back Kimani Vidal as the mid-round pick who will have the most fantasy value in 2024. It’s a sentiment echoed by many analysts, who viewed the Kamani pick as excellent value and a great fit for the Chargers backfield.
Harbaugh and Hortiz would both speak to the fact the Chargers draft class 2024 can’t be fairly assessed for at least a few years. However, it’s worth noting that three of the teams with the best NFL Draft classes in 2023 – Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers – all made the playoffs. Even if the Chargers fall short of that, a strong rookie class would be a huge step forward for the future.
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