Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh gave insight into the direction the team may go with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Jim Harbaugh met with the media at the annual NFL Owners meeting in Orlando, FL. He was asked about his draft direction, and his answer was rather insightful.
“What position group depends on no other position group to be good? But every other position group depends on them to be good. What position group is that? Offensive line.”
Many think the Chargers will select a skill position with their pick, but Harbaugh’s comments should lead people to think differently.
Direction of the Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are in a slight rebuilding phase after their awful cap situation. They released linebacker Eric Kendricks and wide receiver Mike Williams and traded away long-time franchise star Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. It isn’t a true teardown as long as quarterback Justin Herbert is still in the Charger building.
The Chargers need to help Justin Herbert take the next step to becoming the elite-level quarterback everyone anticipates. Is that building up the offensive line, as Harbaugh eludes to, or adding a weapon for him to throw to?
Many draft experts think offensive skill is on the horizon after the loss of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, but Harbaugh’s comments and draft history might suggest otherwise.
Harbaugh Draft History
Harbaugh selected 37 players over four years during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers (head coach during the 2011-2014 drafts). 19 of the 37 picks were on the defensive side of the ball, leaving 18 for offense.
Of the 37 draft selections that Harbaugh had with the 49ers, six were offensive linemen. He had four total first-round picks: one was a defensive lineman (Aldon Smith), one was a wide receiver (A.J. Jenkins), and two were defensive backs (Eric Reid and Jimmie Ward).
The only noticeable trend is that Harbaugh loves drafting defensive backs. His most drafted position over the four years was DB, with nine total drafts. He also never took an offensive lineman within the first two rounds of any draft.
Harbaugh may be playing into the “smokescreen” season, so he doesn’t show what he is honestly thinking for their first pick. Evidence shows that he would lean towards the skill side rather than the offensive line, but only time will tell what Harbaugh thinks.
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