The Pittsburgh Steelers currently play in what is, arguably, the best division in the National Football League. Matchups with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are never guaranteed wins. Out of the three, the Ravens have given Pittsburgh the toughest tests throughout the 21st century. Head Coaches Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh are two of the best in the business, and their battles since Harbaugh was hired 2008 have been some of the best in the league. Now Harbaugh's brother, Jim, is returning to professional football to try and lead the Los Angeles Chargers out of football purgatory.
Jim Harbaugh is coming off of a dominant performance in the 2023 college football season. He led the University of Michigan to a National Championship and an undefeated campaign. The 15-0 year was wildly impressive and seemed to be the final thing Jim wanted to check off of his list prior to returning to the NFL. The Wolverines had a record 18 prospects at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Many may not realize how the Steelers could be affected by his jump back to professional football, but they could definitely could be, specifically when it comes to the 2024 NFL Draft. No one should be surprised if Jim has significant interest in his former players, and it just so happens that the Chargers are in need of similar positions that Pittsburgh is expected to target.
Los Angeles is expected to go after the wide receiver and cornerback positions, as well as potentially center and tackle. When taking a look at the Michigan prospects available in the draft, this could present an interesting and rare situation of a college coach attempting to draft his former players just a year after a National Championship victory. Pittsburgh's General Manager Omar Khan could have his hands full.
The focus has to begin at wide receiver. Roman Wilson is likely going to be a second-round pick and him being a fit in Pittsburgh has been noted as a potentially good landing spot. The expectation is that the Chargers will select one of the top two receivers in either Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers. However, with the amount of teams possibly interested in trading up for a quarterback, Los Angeles could elect to move back in round one for even more draft capital.
That scenario could skyrocket Wilson on their board for a reunion with Jim. The next conflict for Khan could come on the defensive side opposite of wideouts. Mike Sainristil is not likely to be a first-round talent at cornerback, but has all the tools to be a productive defender at the next level. The Chargers desperately need help at the position, as do the Steelers. Pittsburgh needs a slot corner, and Sainristil projects as such. Josh Wallace is another corner from Michigan expected to go in a later round.
Finally, the offensive line comes into play. Drake Nugent will be an option as an interior lineman after plenty of experience playing center in college. Three bookend linemen in LaDarius Henderson, Karsen Barnhart and Trente Jones have traits to develop as offensive linemen in the NFL. If Jim wants to bring in guys he knows are coachable, and they fit the Chargers' needs, multiple reunions are more than possible in Los Angeles.
Steelers And Chargers Could Be Battling For Same Players
Wide receiver, offensive line and cornerback are three areas both Pittsburgh and Los Angeles need to upgrade. Given the fact that Michigan had 18 players at the combine, most, if not all, will hear their names called on draft weekend.
The Chargers have five picks in the top 110 while the Steelers hold four in the top 98. The first round is unlikely to present issues unless Los Angeles trades back, but second and third-round prospects could be stolen from Pittsburgh before they have a chance to select someone if Jim wants to coach his former players once again. The later rounds may see this occur as well.
More must-reads: