The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with nine picks over the three-day draft.
It is a new era for the organization. In February, the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh as coach and Joe Hortiz as general manager. This draft, starting with the No. 5 pick, will reveal quite a bit about the direction Hortiz and Harbaugh want to take, and that started up front with offensive tackle Joe Alt from Notre Dame.
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Final Chargers NFL Draft thoughts: Why the first-round pick will be a telling moment
The roster is pretty close to a blank slate. The Chargers have a quarterback in Justin Herbert. They have a left tackle in Rashawn Slater. They have a trio of edge rusher in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. They have safety Derwin James Jr. Beyond that, the Chargers face needs up and down the depth chart. It will be a big lift to get this roster in shape to actually contend. On the flip side, the Chargers are positioned with considerable flexibility in terms of when and how they address needs on both sides of the ball.
Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each Chargers pick.
Round 1
No. 5: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
How he fits
The least surprising move in the draft was Harbaugh and the Chargers going offensive line. Los Angeles could’ve traded the pick, Justin Herbert has nothing at WR — but that offensive line was one of the worst run-blocking outfits in the league last season and protecting Herbert remains a priority. Do not be shocked if Harbaugh and company come back to OL later in this draft — as the Chargers also need a center and are in the middle of a massive culture shift. A terrific starting point for the Harbaugh program. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Alt stays light on his feet with the big-man agility, body control and instinctive recovery skills to become a high-level run blocker and above-average pass protector very early in this NFL career. He projects as a first-year, scheme-versatile starter with the pedigree to be a cornerstone player for an NFL franchise (he is Jake Matthews in Nate Solder’s body).
Nick Baumgardner and Daniel Popper’s analysis
Los Angeles Chargers draft Joe Alt: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Scott Dochterman’s grade: A-
Round 1 grades for all 32 picks
Round 2
No. 34 (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
How he fits
McConkey is an excellent route runner who is better against press coverage than people give him credit for. He’s so efficient out of his breaks. He’s a legitimate deep threat. His 4.3 speed shows up on film. He’s not just exclusively a slot receiver. He can play outside for the Chargers. He’s exceptional after the catch, and Georgia drew up a lot of plays to get the ball in his hands. He’s at least a very good number two receiver and he’s going to be very productive. Excellent pick for the Chargers, and he’s going to make Herbert very happy. — Ted Nguyen
Dane Brugler’s analysis
McConkey’s size and vulnerability to injuries aren’t ideal, but he is a sudden, skilled route runner and uses synchronized shake to
tie defensive backs in knots. He is a quarterback-friendly target with the inside-outside versatility to be a quality No. 2 option for an NFL offense.
Amos Morale III and Daniel Popper’s analysis
Los Angeles Chargers draft Ladd McConkey: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Nick Baumgardner’s grade: A
Nick Baumgardner, Scott Dochterman rate Rounds 2-3
Round 3
No. 69: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Colson checks a lot of boxes for the next level with his physicality downhill, athleticism in space and iron-man toughness that he brings to work every day. He projects as an NFL starting MIKE early in his career and a more complete version of Derrick Barnes of the Detroit Lions.
Scott Dochterman’s grade: A
Nick Baumgardner, Scott Dochterman rate Rounds 2-3
Round 4
No. 105
Round 5
No. 137 (via Patriots)
No. 140
Round 6
No. 181
Round 7
No. 225
No. 253 (Compensatory)
(Photo of Junior Colson: Mark J. Rebilas-USA Today
