NFL Draft Grades - Los Angeles Chargers
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Los Angeles Chargers Upcoming 2024 Draft Picks (10)
Grade: C+
So much for that J.C. Latham nonsense. The Chargers are drafting the best player available, but there are three reasons to dislike this pick. First, no trade was made, but that's not a huge deal. Second, the Chargers are passing on the top receivers despite having nothing at receiver. And third, the Chargers a picking a player to play right tackle who has zero experience playing right tackle. This selection could still pan out, but it's hard to like very much.
Grade: B+
The Chargers finally get a receiver, as Ladd McConkey seems like a decent replacement for Keenan Allen. I like McConkey in this range, but I wonder why the Chargers had to surrender a fourth-round pick to make it happen with so many quality receivers available. Update: The compensation was a fourth- and fifth-round swap, so I like this better.
Grade: A+
Jim Harbaugh gets his man. Junior Colson is a player I had slotted earlier in the second round, so getting Colson in the third frame is a steal. Colson also fills a need for the Chargers, who have had issues at linebacker for a very long time.
Grade: B+
The Chargers needed to add help to their defensive line, as I had them drafting Kris Jenkins in the second round. They finally address the need with someone who could have gone in the third frame. Justin Eboigbe is limited athletically, but he's a rock-solid player.
Grade: B
I can't hate on any pick that gives Drake Maye a weapon. Javon Baker is probably best served as a fifth-rounder, but I can buy him in the fourth. New England has nothing at receiver, so adding another one without reaching is a solid move.
Grade: D
We didn't have Tarheeb Still ranked. I saw him in the seventh round of some mocks. In other words, this is a reach, but we're in the fifth round, so something like this isn't worthy of a Millen grade - but it's close.
Grade: A+
The Chargers reached for a cornerback a couple of picks earlier, but they're getting a major steal with this selection. Cam Hart was a second-day prospect, so it's shocking that he fell to the fifth frame. It wouldn't be surprising if Hart ends up becoming a good starter for the Chargers in the near future.
Grade: B+
The Chargers finally get a running back. Kimani Vidal is a quick runner who was projected as a fifth-rounder who could maybe sneak into the fourth. This is a solid value that fills a need.
Grade: A+
I don't understand why Brenden Rice fell so far. I thought he could have gone in the third or fourth round. This is a major steal for the Chargers, who really needed to find more talent at receiver.
Grade: A-
Another steal late in the seventh round. Cornelius Johnson is a big (6-2, 212) receiver who could be a nice end zone threat. He wasn't super productive at Michigan, but Jim Harbaugh ran the ball a lot, so I don't really blame Johnson for the lesser production.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/22/2024 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1


When I previously updated my mock draft, the Chargers still had Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on the roster. Since then, Williams has been cut, while Allen was traded. Justin Herbert needs a new No. 1 receiver.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a 6-foot-4 receiver who happens to be a huge mismatch weapon. He was sorely missed in the college football semi-final versus Georgia when he suffered a concussion. Jim Harbaugh had a great look at how dominant Harrison can be, so he may select the receiver who went for five receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown against his defense this past season.
Round: 2


The Chargers have great edge talent, but they could stand to improve the interior of their defensive line.
Like his father, Kris Jenkins Jr. is a disruptive interior presence.
Pick change; previously Braden Fiske, DT
Round: 3


The Chargers need to improve their pass protection for Justin Herbert.
Dominick Puni played both left and right tackle and was dependable at Kansas.
Round: 4


The Chargers may lose one of Joey Bosa or Khalil Mack in the near future.
Mohamed Kamara projects as a 3-4 player only, but he has dangerous pass-rushing ability.
Pick change; previously Calean Carson, CB
Round: 4


Jim Harbaugh said he wants to beef up the offensive line.
Beaux Limmer needs to add some weight to his frame.
Pick change; previously Jacob Cowing, WR
Round: 5


The Chargers signed J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, but they could stand to add another running back.
Pick change; previously Carson Steele, RB
Round: 6


Linebacker continues to be a significant need for the Chargers.
Tyrice Knight is considered a mid-round sleeper.
Round: 7


The Chargers could add another edge rusher to prepare for the exodus of some veterans.
Round: 7


The Chargers lost Gerald Everett, so they'll be looking for a new tight end.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
C+ So much for that J.C. Latham nonsense. The Chargers are drafting the best player available, but there are three reasons to dislike this pick. First, no trade was made, but that's not a huge deal. Second, the Chargers are passing on the top receivers despite having nothing at receiver. And third, the Chargers a picking a player to play right tackle who has zero experience playing right tackle. This selection could still pan out, but it's hard to like very much.
B+ The Chargers finally get a receiver, as Ladd McConkey seems like a decent replacement for Keenan Allen. I like McConkey in this range, but I wonder why the Chargers had to surrender a fourth-round pick to make it happen with so many quality receivers available. Update: The compensation was a fourth- and fifth-round swap, so I like this better.
A+ Jim Harbaugh gets his man. Junior Colson is a player I had slotted earlier in the second round, so getting Colson in the third frame is a steal. Colson also fills a need for the Chargers, who have had issues at linebacker for a very long time.
B+ The Chargers needed to add help to their defensive line, as I had them drafting Kris Jenkins in the second round. They finally address the need with someone who could have gone in the third frame. Justin Eboigbe is limited athletically, but he's a rock-solid player.
B I can't hate on any pick that gives Drake Maye a weapon. Javon Baker is probably best served as a fifth-rounder, but I can buy him in the fourth. New England has nothing at receiver, so adding another one without reaching is a solid move.
D We didn't have Tarheeb Still ranked. I saw him in the seventh round of some mocks. In other words, this is a reach, but we're in the fifth round, so something like this isn't worthy of a Millen grade - but it's close.
A+ The Chargers reached for a cornerback a couple of picks earlier, but they're getting a major steal with this selection. Cam Hart was a second-day prospect, so it's shocking that he fell to the fifth frame. It wouldn't be surprising if Hart ends up becoming a good starter for the Chargers in the near future.
B+ The Chargers finally get a running back. Kimani Vidal is a quick runner who was projected as a fifth-rounder who could maybe sneak into the fourth. This is a solid value that fills a need.
A+ I don't understand why Brenden Rice fell so far. I thought he could have gone in the third or fourth round. This is a major steal for the Chargers, who really needed to find more talent at receiver.
A- Another steal late in the seventh round. Cornelius Johnson is a big (6-2, 212) receiver who could be a nice end zone threat. He wasn't super productive at Michigan, but Jim Harbaugh ran the ball a lot, so I don't really blame Johnson for the lesser production.
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A- The Chargers, like the Seahawks, have two talented receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to stay healthy, and Allen is nearing the end of his tenure with the team. The Chargers had to find another weapon for Justin Herbert, and Johnson has drawn comparisons to Julio Jones from some around the NFL.
A Tuli Tuipulotu is an explosive player who could have gone earlier than this. The Chargers already have two stud edge rushers, but you can never have enough players to rush the passer, especially in the AFC. Besides, Khalil Mack won't be around for very long, so Tuipulotu will start a couple of seasons.
A The Chargers have had issues at linebacker for years, but perhaps they've finally solved that problem. Daiyan Henley has great sideline-to-sideline speed, and I thought he could easily be chosen in the second round. I love this value.
B The Chargers apparently were big fans of the TCU receiving corps. Derius Davis is extremely fast and should be used in the slot at the next level. The Chargers needed to revamp the receiving corps, so this pick makes sense.
A- I had Jordan McFadden in the fourth round, so I like this value. The need also makes sense, as the Chargers had to find better interior line depth. Jordan McFadden played tackle at Clemson, but will probably have to move inside due to athleticism limitations.
C The Chargers needed help at defensive tackle, but that's not anything new. Scott Matlock has some upside as a pass rusher, but he's going to get pushed around in run support. I didn't have him in any of my mocks.
A Max Duggan is another prospect who easily could have gone much earlier than this. Max Duggan has no elite traits, but he's an accurate quarterback who can scramble. He has good potential to be a career No. 2 quarterback.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
C- Grade
I like Zion Johnson more than Kenyon Green, but I'm not a fan of this pick. The Chargers had a much bigger need at tackle, and Trevor Penning was available. Jermaine Johnson would've been an excellent pick as well. This selection has little value and doesn't fill the biggest need. Not good.
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D Grade
I expected better from Tom Telesco in the third round. I had J.T. Woods as a fifth-round prospect. He doesn't fill much of a need either. I get adding secondary help because of all the great quarterbacks in the division, but edge rush or cornerback would've made much more sense, especially if that prospect happened to belong in the third-round range!
A- Grade
I didn't think running back was atop the Chargers' needs list, but I can't blame them for not passing on a talented running back like Isaiah Spiller. I thought Spiller should've been chosen a round earlier, so I love this value San Angeles is getting with someone who will provide good insurance for Austin Ekeler.
A- Grade
People thought the Chargers would select a monstrous nose tackle to help them improve their woeful run defense earlier than this, but better late than never. Otito Ogbonnia is a solid value in this range, and he projects to fill a big need.
A Grade
What took Jamaree Salyer so long to come off the board? I had him in the third- or fourth-round range. He played tackle at Georgia, but will have to move to guard in the NFL. Still, Salyer could have some versatility, and he provides great value for the Chargers.
B+ Grade
I mocked Lecitus Smith to the Cardinals at No. 201, so I like the fit. It's a nice touch of value, and this pick potentially fills a need. Arizona needed as many blockers as possible to make sure Kyler Murray lasts a full season for once.
A Grade
Chase Lucas was in the second round of my 2022 NFL Mock Draft once upon a time. He doesn't have big upside, but he was a productive player at Arizona State, and I thought he would be chosen in the fifth frame. This seems like a good value at a position of need.
B Grade
Though punters are demonic abominations, they are worth picking in the seventh round as opposed to the fourth frame. I'm fine with this selection, though it's not very exciting.
A Grade
This is another great value pick in the seventh round. I had Jesse Luketa pegged in the fifth frame. He potentially fills a need as well, given that Chandler Jones departed this offseason.
B Grade
I'm not opposed to the Chargers closing out their draft class with a fullback with the antepenultimate pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Austin Ekeler and the rest of the backs will be happy about this.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
A- Grade
I'm all for improving the offensive line, especially when the quarterback is very young. The Chargers did a good job of this earlier in the offseason, but they weren't done. They needed a left tackle, and Rashawn Slater seems like a great fit. The one concern teams had with Slater is his lacking length. Some teams believed he would have to play guard or center. That said, plenty of successful tackles have had Slater's issue, so I'm in the camp that he can succeed at the position.
C Grade
The Chargers lost Casey Hayward this offseason, so they had to replace him. However, I think this is a bit high for Asante Samuel Jr. He's short and slow, which is not a good combination for an NFL cornerback. I think this is a bit early for him, but I don't hate the pick.
D Grade
Not a fan. The Chargers are making a reach here with Josh Palmer, who I had pegged in the fifth or sixth round. Palmer is a big receiver, but I'm not sure if he'll be able to separate from NFL cornerbacks.
A- Grade
I mocked Tre McKitty to the Chargers in this spot, so I think this pick makes so much sense. The Chargers lost Hunter Henry in free agency, and McKitty projects as a dynamic pass-catcher once he gains some experience. McKitty needs to get stronger, but the upside is certainly there.
C Grade
The Chargers lost Melvin Ingram, so it's not a surprise that they obtained a pass rusher. Rumph is undersized, however, so I thought he would go later on Day 3. I like getting a player who can get after Patrick Mahomes, but the value isn't there.
C Grade
Brenden Jaimes is a good athlete for a tackle, but the problem is that he's a tweener. He's not lengthy enough to be a tackle, and he doesn't seem to be strong enough to be a guard. I'm not sure where he fits in with the Chargers.
A- Grade
Take note, Steelers and Jaguars: A team that needed a running back waited until the sixth round to acquire one. The Chargers had to find a complement for Austin Ekeler, and Larry Rountree is a nice value pick as someone who could have been chosen a round earlier.
B Grade
Mark Webb has nice size and ball skills, but there are some major speed concerns. Those weren't answered by his 4.61 40-yard dash. Still, it makes sense to take him in the seventh round in case those issues don't end up being a big deal.