Could the Los Angeles Chargers select a local running back in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Chargers recently hired former USC running backs coach Kiel McDonald, who coached a talented running prospect in this year's NFL Draft in MarShawn Lloyd.
After his performance at the USC Pro Day, where McDonald was in attendance, Lloyd reacted to the possibility of getting drafted by the Chargers and reuniting with McDonald.
"I know his coaching style, he's a really good coach," Lloyd told reporters after his Pro Day. "I know what he's about. I know what type of scheme and everything he loves. I feel like it would only make me a better player, and that would help me out a lot."
From how it sounds, Lloyd and the Chargers could be a strong fit. Lloyd wouldn't have to travel far to join the Chargers, and he'd have immediate familiarity with McDonald. In addition, Lloyd would get to be coached by new Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, whose offenses regularly have some of the NFL's best run games.
Though the Chargers brought in former Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards in free agency, this doesn't eliminate the chance that the Chargers will bring in another back. To start, Edwards has typically been part of a committee backfield. In addition, Lloyd is projected to be a Day 2 pick or later, so it's not hard to believe the Chargers could see Lloyd as worth a mid-round pick.
With a duo of Edwards and Lloyd, the Chargers would have a dynamic backfield. During his final collegiate season at USC, Lloyd rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns on just 116 carries, for an average of a whopping 7.1 yards per carry. Combine this production with Roman and McDonald's tutelage, and the Chargers run game would surely improve from when they averaged less than 100 rush yards per game in 2023.
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