Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft: Outlining best and worst-case scenarios for Jim Harbaugh 

In 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers will embark on a new era.

Despite a disappointing 2023 season where they experienced a major regression and ended up in last place in the AFC West, the team has taken steps to make significant changes. They have hired Jim Harbaugh as the new head coach and Joe Hortiz as the general manager, completely revamping their leadership.

The pair is tasked with the crucial responsibility of reconstructing the team’s roster in order to bring the franchise back to the level of competing for titles.

Chargers’ Ideal Draft Picks for a Successful Season

In order to fill the void at wide receiver, Harbaugh sets his sights on Washington standout Rome Odunze. However, the most notable move in this draft is the trade up to 33rd place, which enables them to select Iowa’s talented cornerback, Cooper DeJean.

As Michael Davis, who was originally an UDFA but has become a mainstay, leaves for the Washington Commanders, it is crucial for Asante Samuel Jr. and Derwin James to find a credible partner in the secondary.

In addition, the rest of the draft picks are equally impressive. T’Vondre Sweat, standing at a massive 6-foot-4 and weighing 362 lbs, is a dominant force as a defensive tackle. Not only is he capable of sacking quarterbacks, but he is also skilled in stopping rushes, deflecting passes, and blocking kicks.

Despite the potential blow of losing Gerald Everett, Cade Stover’s addition has greatly strengthened the tight end group, which already included Hayden Hurst and Donald Parham. Stover, a former Ohio State Buckeye, has the potential to be a sleeper hit at the position.

His supposed role in college was on defense, and he even had a big moment at the 2022 Rose Bowl when head coach Ryan Day was forced to use him as a linebacker due to numerous injuries.

Additionally, it is expected that running back Will Shipley will resemble Cordarelle Patterson in his versatility, possessing the ability to excel in rushing, receiving, and returning both kicks and punts.

One drawback is that the offensive line may not receive sufficient attention. However, the reunion of Bradley Bozeman with Greg Roman and the continued strength of Rashawn Slater do provide some quality components.

Chargers’ Nightmare Mock Draft: Worst-Case Scenario

Despite their unfortunate situation, the Chargers decide to trade down for Olu Fashanu, a move that may not seem ideal but is understandable considering the limited options for top offensive tackles after the initial round. This decision, however, results in them missing out on Rome Odunze, who surprisingly ends up signing with the Tennessee Titans.

Therefore, they must pay up to 30 in exchange for Xavier Worthy. Although he is capable, the ex-Texas Longhorn is not as experienced as the individuals ahead of him.

Despite starting off strong by selecting his former college teammate Byron Murphy II, things quickly went downhill for Hortiz. In the following four packs, he made trades that resulted in him missing out on potential picks for running back, cornerback, and tight end, ultimately hurting his chances of strengthening those positions.

In addition, he takes a chance on edge rusher Gabriel Murphy and adds Christian McCaffrey’s younger brother Luke to his team, even though there is already strong depth at their respective positions.