Who did the Los Angeles Chargers draft? The 2024 NFL Draft ushers in a new era of Chargers draft picks, the first players picked by Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz. Our Chargers draft tracker 2024 will keep you updated with everything you need to know from the first round to the end of Day 3.
Let’s dive into our analysis of the Los Angeles Chargers draft picks in 2024. Bookmark this page for updates throughout the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll also have prospect profiles on every member of the Chargers draft class.
Related: Day 3 NFL mock draft 2024
Table of Contents
Los Angeles Chargers draft analysis 2024: Pick-by-pick analysis of the Chargers draft class
Round 1, 5th overall: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Chargers selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Alt never played a snap at right tackle in college, but that is the position he’ll be playing at the next level. While it has been a difficult transition for many, Alt does show the footwork, instincts and hip movement to make the transition.
- Grade: C+
Some will point to the difficulties he had at right tackle when tested there in drills during the NFL Combine, but it was one of his first times playing the position. Alt has drawn NFL comparisons to the likes of Jake Matthews and Mike McGlinchey, but there’s a chance he could become a Pro Bowl starter at right tackle. However, the Chargers draft grade here is a C+ or in the 75 percentage range, as Alt isn’t a generational talent by any means and Los Angeles would’ve been better off trading down to take a similar offensive tackle prospect later.
TRADE – Round 2, 34th overall: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia Bulldogs
The Los Angeles Chargers traded up in the second round to get wide receiver Ladd McConkey. While it cost them a swap of a fourth-round pick for a fifth-round selection, Los Angeles snags a wide receiver we had a first-round grade on. Far more importantly, he’s a perfect fit for this offense.
McConkey might not have posted stellar numbers at the University of Georgia, but that tends to happen when you play in an offense with Brock Bowers. However, among receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft class, McConkey had the fourth-highest yards per route run (3.26) per Pro Football Focus.
Immediately, you have a receiver who can create separation and who brings the intelligence to beat cornerbacks in a variety of ways. It’s also worth noting, though, that McConkey tested in the 93rd percentile (9.34 Relative Athletic) score at wide receiver and there’s enough juice to make some plays downfield. McConkey can become a high-end No. 2 receiver in Los Angeles. McConkey might not be Keenan Allen, but that ability to get open is a trait these two share.
- Grade: A
Related: Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh gets awesome tattoo
Round 3, 69th overall: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
College football has done a horrendous job developing off-ball linebackers, often resulting in incoming players struggling for at least a year or sometimes two in the NFL. One way to ease that transition is with familiarity and Michigan Wolverines linebacker Junior Colson knows Jim Harbaugh and new Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter very, very, very well.
Colson, rated by Dane Brugler of The Athletic as the best off-ball linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft, should feel right at home with Los Angeles. The 6-foot-2 linebacker brings the size, power and mentality you want on a physical football team. He’s more than just a hard-nosed player who embraces violence, he’s also a very good athlete – 85 Athletic Score (NFL.com) – who can hold his own in coverage thanks to that movement ability and good awareness. The Chargers got themselves a solid middle linebacker at the start of Round 3 and we can’t emphasize enough the value of Colson already knowing Minter’s system and the responsibility he plays in it.
- Grade: A
Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings
Round 4, 105th overall: Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama
The Chargers finally add to the defensive line, one of the team’s biggest needs. They add Justin Eboigbe, who has a prototypical defensive tackle size, at 6’4″ and 297 lbs. His biggest concern heading into the draft are his medicals, having had surgery to fix a herniated disc in his back.
His ceiling isn’t sky-high due to limited first-step explosion, but his understanding of the position he plays and his grown-man strength means his floor will all but guarantee first-team reps in his rookie season. Last season, he racked up an impressive 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 14 games.
- Grade: B
Related: 2024 NFL Draft tracker, draft order for all 7 rounds
Round 5, 137th overall: Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland
The Chargers address what could be seen as their top defensive need with Tarheed Still, 5’11” 188 lbs. Projections have him as a nickel defender who loves playing a physical brand of coverage while in press man. This signals a departure from the Staley-led defense of the soft zone.
While he might not have the ideal size or speed some teams look for, this player makes up for it with smooth athleticism. His natural instincts and ability to react on the ball will definitely grab the attention of NFL coaches.
- Grade: B
Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings
Round 5, 140th overall: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
The Chargers go back-to-back cornerback and do a great job balancing Heeb Still. Cam Hart is huge, at 6’3″ 202 lbs and he has elite length. He plays better in zone than man, but he is great at what he does. He is a steal simply because of what he brings as an athlete. Can I interest you in 23 mph on GPS tracking?
Don’t just judge Hart by his game film and miniscule production – his potential is even more exciting! His height and explosiveness make him a matchup nightmare for receivers of all sizes. Plus, he’s a versatile player who can jam receivers at the line and be a weapon on punt coverage teams.
- Grade: A
Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft running back rankings
Round 6, 181st overall: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
The compact, no-frills running back, may not be a fit for most NFL teams, but is a great addition to a Greg Roman offense. A great athlete for the 6th round. Great production behind a bad offensive line, almost 2800 yards in the last two seasons.
- Grade: B-
Related: Fantasy Football Rookie rankings, top 50 dynasty rookies
Round 7, 225th overall: Brenden Rice, WR, USC
Rice was projected by most to go in the 3rd or 4th round, but the Chargers nab him at the top of the 7th. His potential is clear, Rice has the size, speed, athleticism, and impressive hands to develop into a strong NFL receiver. He’s projected as a backup X/Z receiver initially and has the tools to become a starter in the future. He still needs to refine his technique to beat press coverage against NFL cornerbacks.
With the state of the Chargers wide receiver room, Rice will get plenty of in-game reps.
- Grade: B
Related: Most underrated prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
Round 7, 253rd overall: Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan
Don’t be fooled by Johnson’s lack of flashy measurables. He’s got the talent to play at the pro level! While he can still refine his technique with coaching, Johnson brings a skillset that translates well to the NFL. He’ll be competing for a spot as a rotational outside receiver with the Chargers and could be a valuable contributor.
- Grade: B
Also Read: 2024 NFL Draft edge rusher rankings
Los Angeles Chargers draft grades 2024 – Draft grades from NFL experts
Both during and after the 2024 NFL Draft, you can find consensus draft grades on the Chargers draft class in 2024 right here. We’ll be using expert analysis from Yahoo Sports, USA Today, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and PFF.
You can find our own Los Angeles Chargers draft analysis for every pick above.
- NFL.com: A-
- USA Today: A
- Fox Sports: A-
- CBS Sports: B-
- Yahoo Sports: B+
- Pro Football Focus: A
Related: Los Angeles Chargers news and rumors
Los Angeles Chargers draft picks 2024 – Live draft tracker
Here you can find our Los Angeles Chargers draft tracker 2024, containing every member of the Chargers draft class in 2024. Our pick-by-pick analysis and consensus Chargers draft grades can be found above.
- Round 1, 5th overall: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame, C+
- Round 2, 34th overall*: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia, A
- Round 3, 69th overall: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan, A
- Round 4, 105th overall: Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama, B
- Round 5, 137th overall: Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland, B
- Round 5, 140th overall: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame, A
- Round 6, 181st overall: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy, B-
- Round 7, 225th overall: Brenden Rice, WR, USC, B
- Round 7, 253rd overall: Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan, B