Holding the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there’s massive debate over what the Los Angeles Chargers should do with their top selection. While a definitive answer is more than a month out, there have been some developments during the week of the NFL Combine.
The consensus seems to be that Los Angeles will either draft an offensive lineman or potentially tight end Brock Bowers with the fifth pick. However, edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver are also among the top Chargers draft needs in 2024.
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With a draft room led by general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh, physicality and strength will be synonymous with Chargers’ football. It makes top prospects like Bowers, offensive tackle Joe Alt, and wide receiver Rome Odunze strong possibilities for Los Angeles.
NFL Insider Reveals Los Angeles Chargers Preferred Option
NFL reporter Benjamin Allbright shared that the feeling around the league is that Los Angeles wants to move back from the fifth overall pick to build draft capital and then start overhauling their offensive line through the 2024 NFL Draft.
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If the Chargers are focused on moving down, depending on how far they slide, it could take options like Alt, Odunze, Bowers, and Malik Nabers off the board. Theoretically, Los Angeles could swing a deal with the Atlanta Falcons (8th overall) to secure one of the top talents, but that would also lessen the draft capital received in return.
Hortiz’s history with the Baltimore Ravens demonstrates his track record of finding starters on Day 2, especially with third-round picks. If the Chargers are willing to move outside the top-10 picks, they could still be well-positioned to snag a top offensive lineman and then use the other picks to address multiple needs.
Ideally, one scenario could see Los Angeles drop to 11th overall in a trade-down with the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers could use that first-round pick on right tackle Taliese Fuaga, a perfect complement opposite of Rashawn Slater, then use second and third-round picks on a center, cornerback, wide receiver, and running back.
One thing is clear, the Chargers seem to be prioritizing the trenches early. If they are unable to move down from the fifth overall pick, it stands to reason the highest-rated offensive lineman on their board could be their top target.
