Justin Herbert led the Los Angeles Chargers to a thrilling 34-27 comeback victory against the Denver Broncos. Herbert threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, while Cameron Dicker made NFL history with a successful fair-catch kick. The Chargers’ playoff hopes remain alive, while the Broncos, despite the loss, still have a strong chance of making the postseason.
The Los Angeles Chargers moved up three spots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, using the New England Patriots’ No. 34 position to select Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Chargers gave up their own fourth-round pick (No. 37) and a sixth-round pick (No. 110) to make the move. McConkey is a shifty slot receiver who played a key role in Georgia’s back-to-back national titles. He had 762 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 receptions in 2022, and averaged a career-best 15.9 yards per reception in 2023 despite being limited to just nine games due to injury. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which cemented his status as one of the top options in a loaded receiver class. The Chargers have a need at wide receiver after releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen this offseason. They selected Quentin Johnston in the first round of last year’s draft, but he had an underwhelming rookie campaign. McConkey should be in line for a significant role in the Chargers’ offense in 2024.
The possibility of the Los Angeles Chargers drafting a quarterback with the 5th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft has sparked debate, but NFL analyst Rich Eisen has vehemently rejected the notion. Despite mock drafts predicting the selection of a receiver or a trade to accumulate draft capital, rumors have persisted that the Chargers could target a quarterback. However, Eisen has called these rumors the “dumbest thing” he has heard in his career.
The Los Angeles Chargers, under their new management, are reportedly aiming to bolster their franchise based on Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy of tough, physical play. This strategy involves prioritizing the running game, similar to Harbaugh’s approach at the San Francisco 49ers and Michigan. To execute this plan, the Chargers have already signed former Baltimore Ravens running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, while releasing Austin Ekeler. They are also anticipated to select a running back in the upcoming NFL draft. ESPN’s Dan Graziano suggests that scouts expect the Chargers to pursue Blake Corum, a standout running back for Michigan the past two seasons. Corum showcased remarkable productivity, rushing for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior and 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior, earning him top-10 Heisman Trophy finishes both years. However, concerns arise regarding whether Corum’s potential selection is the most optimal decision for the Chargers’ long-term success.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh faces a dual mandate in his inaugural NFL Draft: bolstering Justin Herbert’s offense while potentially leveraging his No. 5 overall pick for additional draft capital to bolster the trenches, particularly the offensive line. Due to the team’s pressing needs, the Chargers could explore trading down to acquire more selections. A hypothetical trade with the Minnesota Vikings, as proposed by Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler, could see the Chargers drop six spots while still landing a highly coveted prospect.
Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver, has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, with several teams expressing interest in acquiring his services. Higgins is one of the most talented young receivers in the NFL, and he would be a valuable addition to any team. Here are four teams that could make a move for Higgins ahead of the 2024 season.
The Los Angeles Chargers possess the coveted No. 5 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, presenting an exceptional opportunity to bolster their roster. Speculation abounds that they may opt for an offensive lineman, aligning with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh’s emphasis on the trenches. Alternatively, the Chargers could prioritize wide receiver, following their recent departure from veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Intriguing options include Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabors, and Rome Odunze, who could provide quarterback Justin Herbert with a reliable No. 1 target for years to come. Historically, the Chargers have experienced great fortune with the fifth overall pick, having selected hall of famers Junior Seau and LaDainian Tomlinson at that position. With no clear weaknesses on their roster, the Chargers have a wide range of possibilities available. Trading down remains an option, particularly if a team seeks to move up for a quarterback. However, with quarterbacks projected to go with the top three picks, the Chargers will have an enticing selection of other positions to choose from.
Speculation is swirling about a potential blockbuster trade that would see the Los Angeles Chargers trade quarterback Justin Herbert in exchange for a chance to draft C.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft. Sportsbooks have reported a significant shift in odds, with the Chargers’ odds to draft a quarterback in the first round moving from +10000 (100-1) to +600 (6-1). The rumors have been fueled by Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s vocal admiration for McCarthy, who he coached to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023. Harbaugh’s comments suggest that he rates McCarthy above other highly-touted quarterback prospects such as Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, and Drake Maye. While Herbert is widely regarded as a franchise quarterback, he has not yet achieved the same level of success as some of his 2020 NFL Draft classmates, such as Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa.
With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Southern California News Group presents an updated seven-round mock draft for the Los Angeles Chargers. This mock draft incorporates recent speculation and team needs, including the potential for a trade back from the fifth overall pick.
The Chargers have a number of positions to address, including wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive tackle. This mock draft addresses these needs by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State), Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan), and Kris Jenkins (DT, Michigan) in the first three rounds.
Overall, this mock draft reflects the Chargers’ focus on building a young and talented roster under new general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s ties to Michigan are evident in the selection of several former Wolverines, including Harrison, Sainristil, and Jenkins.
Here’s a breakdown of all nine picks in the Chargers’ mock draft:
Round 1, Pick 5: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Round 2, Pick 37: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Round 3, Pick 69: Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Round 4, Pick 105: T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas
Round 4, Pick 110: Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State
Round 5, Pick 140: Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA
Round 6, Pick 181: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
Round 7, Pick 225: Evan Williams, S, Oregon
Round 7, Pick 253: Michael Barrett, LB, Michigan
The Los Angeles Chargers, led by new general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh, face a crucial decision in the upcoming NFL draft. Conventional wisdom suggests they will trade the fifth overall pick to acquire more draft capital and address roster needs, but Hortiz has stated he will only make a trade that benefits the team. Despite trading away wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers have filled roster gaps and added depth in free agency, making their draft strategy less predictable. Hortiz and Harbaugh aim to improve both the passing and rushing games, potentially selecting a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. or a tackle like Joe Alt with the fifth pick. However, a favorable trade could alter their plans, allowing them to draft a tight end like Brock Bowers later and still acquire a wide receiver in the first or second round.
