The Los Angeles Chargers 2024 draft class was one of extreme importance. It was the first draft class by the new-era Chargers team, led by general manager, Joe Hortiz and Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh. This team still has plenty of work to do to clean up the Brandon Staley-era Chargers teams, but this year’s draft class should be the biggest step.
Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Draft Stat Line Predictions
Round 1, No. 5, OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The first of many draft selections in 2024 for the Bolts was Notre Dame’s all-star tackle, Joe Alt. The number five overall selection comes from a family with heavy NFL bloodlines and it has shown since his first starts at Notre Dame. His immaculate size, athleticism, and refinement were enough for the Chargers to select him in the top five. He was touted as the top offensive tackle in the class, and a future all-pro caliber type of player. That said, what is his predicted stat line?
- 15 Starters (2 games missed due to injury)
- Pro-bowl alternate as a rookie
- This offensive line finally gels, and Alt is a major part of that
There is not much to predict when it comes to offensive linemen. However, his impact will be felt on the field, and he should be easily one of the best rookies from day one, even if the initial hysteria of not taking a wide receiver was widely felt and gave Alt some unnecessary hate. The Los Angeles Chargers got a good one.
Round 2, No. 34 (via trade with Patriots), WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
The Chargers second selection in the 2024 NFL draft was Ladd McConkey. The Georgia receiver showed immense route running ability along with a true 4.3 speed during his time at the University. McConkey was thought to be the one to help replace the losses of veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. It is a tall task to ask a second-round rookie to replace two very good receivers, one of which will be inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame. However, McConkey may very well be a great player in his own right.
- 72 Catches
- 839 Yards
- 6 Touchdowns
- 14 Games played
As mentioned before, expecting a second-round rookie who has battled through injuries during his college career to perform like a 10-year veteran, is an extremely tall ask. McConkey is extremely talented and has all the opportunity to perform like one considering his only true competition is Joshua Palmer. Both Palmer and McConkey have struggled with injuries, so this WR corps will likely be a WR-by-committee type of approach, especially considering this is going to be a run-first team. That being said, an 800-yard season for the second-round rookie is still a success, and he will only grow in this offense.
Round 3, No. 69, LB Junior Colson, Michigan
The Chargers 2024 draft class selected Junior Colson in the third round, reuniting Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and Junior Colson all together again. Colson was a well-rounded linebacker who spearheaded Michigan’s extremely powerful defense. Whether it was leading and extorting play calls, or simply making impressive tackles for loss, Colson was the heart of the National Championship-winning defense.
- 114 Tackles
- 9 TFLs
- 2.5 Sacks
- 2 Interceptions
- 1 Forced Fumble
- 1 Fumble Recovery
- 35% Special Teams Snaps
This third-round rookie will have all the opportunity to start on this team only has Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley as competition in the linebacker room. Beyond opportunity, Colson is already two steps ahead compared to everyone else on defense, as he already knows the system. This has produced off-season hype already, and his impactful rookie year could be the first of many great seasons for the Chargers third-round pick.
Round 4, No. 105, DT Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
Possibly the least spoken-about selection in the Chargers 2024 draft is Justin Eboigbe. This may come as a surprise as he went to Alabama and played a key role across their defensive line. However, many saw Eboigbe as a tweener defensive lineman who wouldn’t find a home until later on day three. Some scouts had some skepticism about his play as he dealt with plenty of injuries and played many different spots across the Alabama defensive line. However, his power and technical refinement were enough to intrigue the Chargers scouting department to draft him early in the fourth round.
- 45 Tackles
- 5 TFLs
- 2.5 Sacks
- 15 Pressures
- 1 Forced Fumble
The 2024 Chargers draft class did a very good job attacking the needs of the team, and Eboigbe is a player who will help out this interior defensive line depth. However, it has been touted that there are other young talented players who very well could have been the answer to what was lacking in 2023. Eboigbe will be added to that list to improve this team’s interior defensive line depth and likely start some games alongside Morgan Fox and Poona Ford.
Round 5, No. 137 (via trade with Patriots) CB Tarheeb Still, Maryland
The Chargers fifth-round selection caught many by surprise. Many fans did not see Tarheeb Still being drafted this early in the draft, as many mock draft websites had him in the late seventh or as a priority free-agent pickup. However, the Chargers were sold on his traits of being a physical, smart, refined cornerback who can play both inside and outside.
- Starting slot cornerback in 2024
- 52 Tackles
- 2 TFLs
- 1 Interception
- 1 Sack
- 45% of Special Teams Snaps
Throughout OTA’s the Maryland cornerback has made good value out of his selection. He has already generated hype and has been very highly touted by his new teammates. Look for Still to possibly win the slot cornerback job as a fifth-round rookie. This would make the first five selections of the Chargers 2024 draft class all great contributors to this team.
Round 5, No. 140, CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Double dipping at cornerback, was the selection of Cam Hart from Notre Dame. The second player taken from Notre Dame was one that many Chargers fans wanted as early as the third round. When his name was called for the Bolts, plenty of fans were ecstatic about this selection, as some viewed him even as a gem of the draft. His length, athleticism, tape against high-end competition, and smooth hips all were enough for the Chargers to run to the podium after seeing he was still on the board.
- 22 Tackles
- 1 TFL
- 0 Interceptions
- 55% of Special Teams Snaps
Finding a spot for Cam Hart early in the season might seem difficult as you have Asante Samuel Jr and Kristian Fulton penciled in as the starting outside corners, leading to Cam Hart and Deane Leonard battling for that third outside cornerback spot. Leonard has performed well above his original draft selection, and could very well be the Chargers biggest darkhorse breakout candidate. However, Hart’s traits and ability cannot be understated, and his impact could be felt in a pinch in 2024, and possibly as a started in 2025.
Round 6, No. 181, RB Kimani Vidal, Troy
The Chargers running back room has gone under a complete overhaul under the new regime of Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz and Kimani Vidal was the cherry on top. The Chargers sixth-round selection out of Troy brings another dynamic to this Chargers offense, due to his ability to receive the football, break tackles, and impressive RAS score.
- 55 Carries
- 231 Yards
- 2 Rushing TDs
- 20 Catches
- 215 Receiving Yards
- 1 Receiving TD
Sitting behind JK Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, and competing with former fourth-round selection, Isaiah Spiller, Vidal will have an uphill battle for offensive touches. However, his skill set is much different from the aforementioned backs, and he will likely carve out some sort of role in this Greg Roman-led offense.
Round 7, No. 225, WR Brenden Rice, USC
The Chargers 2024 draft kicked off the seventh round with two seventh-round receiver selections, the first being the son of the legendary Jerry Rice, Brenden Rice. Possibly the most hyped selection out of the entire draft process, Rice was seen as a complete steal. Looked at as a day two to early day three type of prospect, the Chargers got him in the seventh round. Rice’s reliability, playmaking, and physicality give him a great chance to make this team’s roster.
- 15 Catches
- 200 Yards
- 2 Touchdowns
- Flashes of Full Potential
The Chargers desperately need more talent in the wide receiver room. McConkey was the first of three receivers the Chargers drafted in 2024 to help remedy that issue, and with Rice being the second and possibly the most hyped of the three, he will likely find a small role in this team’s offensive success. His role will likely become more defined in 2025, but 2024 should be enough to prove that he will be ready to take that next step in 2025.
Round 7, No. 253, WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Cornelius Johnson was the second player from Michigan and the third receiver taken in the Chargers 2024 draft class. Johnson was a personal favorite, bringing very impressive size, speed, reliability, and selflessness throughout his time at Michigan. Expecting him to become Justin Herbert’s friend on and off the field is not a tall task, as he has the mentality to fit in perfectly with what this offense wants to do.
- 10 Catches
- 110 Yards
- 1 Touchdown
- Strong Run Game Blocker
- Elevated from the practice squad in the middle of the season
Cornelius Johnson might not immediately make the team, as the competition is fierce, and the Chargers keeping seven wide receivers on a team built to run the football sounds quite idiotic. However, once his chance is given, fully expecting him to perform at a high level is not far-fetched. Furthermore, some believe he is better than Rice and could very well be in the Chargers plans as the perfect fit for this Chargers team.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
