Mock drafters are torn between the Los Angeles Chargers taking a wide receiver or an offensive tackle with the 5th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. While WR is a glaring need for the team, head coach Jim Harbaugh‘s priority is establishing a stout rushing attack and protecting the quarterback. That spells out a good case for drafting an offensive lineman.
Los Angeles Chargers Draft: Best Wide Receiver Targets In All 7 Rounds
2024 Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
Best Defensive Line Targets for the Los Angeles Chargers
Round 1: Overall Pick 5
Having the 5th overall pick in the draft gives the Chargers options. They could take the complete package left tackle or trade back and land the class’s best run-blocker.
Joe Alt, Notre Dame: Alt is a plug-and-play left tackle. Quintessential is the word that comes to mind when watching him play the position in the golden helmet. He is just as good in run-blocking as pass protection. At just 21 years old, Alt will be a dominant tackle for years to come.
In this scenario, Chargers left tackle, Rashawn Slater would move to right tackle where he played in college.
Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State: Fuaga fits perfectly with Harbaugh’s vision for the Chargers offense and it also doesn’t involve moving Slater as Fuaga plays right tackles. Some think he could also play guard, which is also a need for the Chargers.
Fuaga has allowed just 23 pressures and ZERO sacks in 25 games.
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Round 2: Overall Pick 37
Kingsley Suamataia, BYU: Suamataia also has left/right versatility. He is better as a pass blocker than a run blocker. His technique isn’t as honed, but his physical upside makes him a wise pick in the second round. He also has youth on his side, he won’t turn 22 until 2025.
Round 3: Overall Pick 69
Blake Fisher, Notre Dame: An uber-athletic tackle with room to grow, but coming out of South Bend all but guarantees a good baseline of talent at the position. As an AFC personnel executive put it “Fisher is the more naturally talented of the Notre Dame tackles, but (Joe) Alt is much more consistent and technically sound.”
Round 4: Overall Pick 105
Jordan Morgan, Arizona: Morgan is most suited as a backup right tackle but has the versatility to play at left tackle and potentially transition into guard. If he can improve his hand technique and ability against countermoves he could be a starting-level option for the Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers in Talks with Top Defensive Line Draft Prospect
Round 5: Overall Pick 140
Roger Rosengarten, Washington: Rosengarten has the size and feet to be a solid pass protector. He is viewed as a potential NFL swing tackle. To secure a starting role in the NFL, he needs to enhance his play strength.
Round 6: Overall Pick 181
Tylan Grable, UCF: Grable is a big project, but has the frame and the athleticism to develop into a dynamic starter. His 40 time and broad jump put him in the top echelon of offensive lineman
Round 7: Overall Pick 225
Jeremy Flax, Kentucky: A mountain of a man, 6’6″ 343 lbs, and a dominant run blocker, Flax fits Harbaugh’s vision for the offensive line.
