A new regime for the Los Angeles Chargers means more unpredictability for the 2024 NFL Draft. While mock drafts are far from perfect, we’re examining Chargers mock draft roundups for 2024 to see what experts in the industry see Los Angeles doing.
While there are plenty of Chargers draft needs to address, it will come as no surprise that two specific positions are the focus of mock drafts. Jim Harbaugh wants his team to win in the trenches, which has made offensive tackle a popular choice. However, the release of Mike Williams and the Keenan Allen trade created a glaring hole in the receiving corps.
Let’s dive into our Chargers mock draft roundup 2024 for April.
Chargers mock draft roundup 2024: Los Angeles targets offense
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
- Experts: NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah & CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli (trade down to No. 10)
If the Chargers are going to be a run-first team that wants to bully teams at the line of scrimmage, it makes sense to field the best offensive line possible. While Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu are widely viewed as the two best offensive tackles in the 2024 NFL Draft, both played left tackle throughout college. However, Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga calls the right side his home.
Fuaga, who has played over 1,500 snaps at right tackle over the last two seasons, is phenomenal as a run blocker. The 6-foot-6 offensive lineman also receives rave reviews for his power, intensity and his ability to overpower defensive linemen. Fuaga offers the ceiling of a Pro Bowl right tackle, which paired opposite of Rashawn Slater, would give Los Angeles an outstanding tandem. Plus, trading down for him would provide the Chargers with more draft capital to address other positions of need.
Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
- Experts: PFF’s Brad Spielberger (trade down to No. 11)
Heading into the offseason, there were some questions about whether or not Troy Fautanu had the athleticism to play offensive tackle in the NFL. While he recorded over 1,800 snaps at left tackle over the last two seasons for the Washington Huskies, athleticism was a question. He recorded a 9.44 Relative Athletic Score, one of the highest at his position.
Similar to Fuaga, Fautanu is a player that Los Angeles would be trading down for. It’s also worth noting that he excelled much more in pass protection and working as a zone blocker. However, he is a franchise-caliber offensive tackle and could push Slater to the right side. While Fautanu would be a great pick, our preference is Fuaga for obvious reason.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
- Experts: The Athletic’s Ben Standig (No. 5 overall)
While it’s fairly popular to see a trade down in the Chargers mock draft roundup, plenty of analysts think Los Angeles might stand pat. If the 2024 NFL Draft board falls perfectly, with four quarterbacks taken in the top four picks, Marvin Harrison Jr. is gift-wrapped for Los Angeles. He boasts the talent to be an outstanding No. 1 receiver immediately and he could challenge for second-team All-Pro status by 2025. It still seems unlikely that the Arizona Cardinals would pass on Harrison Jr. and trade down, with the Minnesota Vikings moving up for J.J. McCarthy, but the Chargers will take advantage of that opportunity if it happens.
Also read: USC Trojans Football Commits 2025
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
- Experts: The Ringer’s Danny Kelly & Daniel Popper of The Athletic & ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr (No. 5 overall)
The most popular pick in the Chargers mock draft roundup is wide receiver Malik Nabers. Sitting at No. 2 in the 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings, Nabers is a big play waiting to happen. While he might not be quite at Tyreek Hill’s level, that explosiveness both vertically and racking up yards after catch is fully on display when you watch Nabers. Like MHJ, Nabers offers an All-Pro ceiling at his peak and he would be a phenomenal addition to the Chargers’ offense.
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