The Los Angeles Chargers have been connected to a variety of top prospects and trade-down scenarios ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, one of ESPN’s top analysts has revealed who he views as an outstanding fit for the Chargers’ offense and head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Los Angeles could go in a variety of directions with the fifth overall pick. Some view wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as not only the best pass-catcher in the 2024 NFL Draft, but arguably the best player in the class. However, in a historically rich draft pool, other teams believe LSU Tigers wideout Malik Nabers is the top offensive weapon in 2024.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings
Either player would be an outstanding fit in the Chargers’ offense, especially with the losses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. However, Harbaugh has also made it clear he believes the offensive line is the most important position group in football.
That’s why Los Angeles has been connected to Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive tackle Joe Alt and has been viewed as a trade-down candidate to grab Oregon State Beavers offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga who, unlike Alt, is an experienced right tackle.
- Malik Nabers stats (ESPN): 89 receptions, 1,569 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, 17.6 yards per catch during the 2023 season
Related: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings
Appearing on ESPN’s SportsCenter, NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid revealed why among the top offensive weapons in the 2024 NFL Draft that Nabers is his favorite fit for the Chargers.
“If there’s one word I would use to describe Malik Nabers, it would be explosive. He led the country in receiving yards per game last season with just under 120 and the Chargers only have Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston on the roster right now, so there’s a huge need for an upgrade at receiver. Malik Nbaers would bring that dynamic, high-end wide receiver one into the forefront.”
Jordan Reid on Malik Nabers as a fit for the Los Angeles Chargers (H/T SportsCenter)
Related: NFL insider reveals Los Angeles Chargers’ top preferences at No. 5 overall
Explosiveness is one of the first things that stands out with the reigning unanimous All-American receiver. In the pre-draft process, Nabers’ 9.67 Relative Athletic Score was one of the highest in the class. He is viewed as the type of home-run threat who can consistently make plays at a frequency only seen by the likes of All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
- Malik Nabers 40 time: 4.35 seconds at LSU Tigers Pro Day
While that’s a lofty stylistic NFL comparison for Nabers, it truly captures what he can do with the football in his hands. It still seems likelier that Harbaugh’s preference for upgrading the offensive line and the depth at wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft results in the Chargers’ first-round pick being an offensive tackle. If the selection is Nabers, though, Los Angeles will immediately have a No. 1 receiver to support Justin Herbert.