Which Draft Pick Do The Los Angeles Chargers Have In The 2024 NFL Draft?

After a devastating loss in the 2022-23 Wild Card round, squandering a 27-point lead against the Jaguars, the Los Angeles Chargers aimed for redemption and a playoff return this past season. Most sportsbooks had their win total set at over/under 9.5 wins, reminiscent of their 10-7 finish in 2022.

Unfortunately, the Chargers fell considerably short of those expectations, ending the season with a 5-12 record, placing them last in the AFC West. Many factors contributed to their disappointing performance, with coaching playing a significant role. Brandon Staley's struggles in his third year culminated in his dismissal following a demoralizing 63-21 defeat to their division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders, in Week 15.

On January 24, the Chargers made an impactful move by hiring the renowned Jim Harbaugh to a five-year contract. Harbaugh, fresh off a National Championship win with the Michigan Wolverines, returns to the NFL with hopes of revitalizing the Chargers' fortunes.

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What Draft Picks Do The Los Angeles Chargers Own?

The Chargers currently hold seven draft picks, although they are expected to receive a compensatory seventh-round pick after Drue Tranquill signed with the Chiefs last offseason. Their first-round pick is fifth overall. This will mark their first top-five pick since 2016 when they drafted Joey Bosa, who is now a four-time Pro Bowler.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz: "Every draft pick is important to the organization... Our 5th pick is important, our second round pick is important, our two seventh round picks are important."

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 6, 2024

The Chargers possess the 37th overall pick in the second round. With picks in each of the five next rounds, they have multiple chances to strengthen their roster. The direction they take with the fifth overall pick will be an intriguing one to watch.

Who Could The Los Angeles Chargers Draft In The First Round?

The Chargers are projected to exceed the salary cap by at least $50 million, factoring in the draft class cap hits and minimum roster requirements. Consequently, they'll need to release some players to create room. With 27 free agents looming, numerous changes are possible. WR Mike Williams will likely be among those players released, following another injury-plagued season where he tore his ACL in Week 3 against the Vikings.

With Williams potentially on his way out and Keenan Allen advancing in age, the Chargers may look to add another offensive weapon to help Justin Herbert and the team get back on track. The upcoming draft offers an array of talented receivers with intriguing prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. While snagging Harrison Jr. at pick number five may be a long shot, it would be a no-brainer if he falls.

However, the most likely candidate at pick number five would be Georgia TE Brock Bowers. Given Gerald Everett's impending free agency, selecting Bowers seems to be the clear and sensible move, especially considering how frequently Herbert targets tight ends.

“That would be awesome… I feel like it would be a great fit.”

- Georgia TE Brock Bowers on potentially being drafted by the Chargers
pic.twitter.com/N84pfHbMEW

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 7, 2024

The Chargers may also seek to bolster their offensive line, which faced challenges throughout the season, aside from standout left tackle Rashawn Slater. Corey Linsley, their center, is expected to retire following a prolonged absence due to a heart issue in 2023. Additionally, Trey Pipkins III, their right tackle, delivered a subpar performance in 2023, prompting the team to explore alternative options.

Joe Alt, primarily a left tackle during his college career, is widely recognized as the top prospect at his position in this year's draft. While he could be an option for the Chargers, it does present a challenge with Slater already in that spot.

Another possibility for the Chargers to consider is Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu, who also specializes at left tackle, presenting a similar dynamic to Alt's position. If they select one of these players, adjustments will be necessary, but there's a good chance they can find a solution. These two prospects are the top contenders if an offensive lineman is chosen within the top five picks.

In essence, as the Chargers gear up for the draft, they're poised for a resurgence. A strategic pick of a dynamic skill position player could spark their journey back to contention.

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