The Los Angeles Chargers are staring down the barrel of another critical draft, which is just days away. They must pin down several positions to follow up on the incredible turnaround orchestrated by Jim Harbaugh and Co. last season.
Of course, nailing the draft is critical to every successful NFL team. It provides inexpensive talent as role players and even starters. Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic recently attempted to quantify the quality of the last 5 drafts for each NFL team using Pro Football Reference’s metric, Approximate Value.
By this number, the Chargers have had the 10th most successful draft over the last five years. Among the teams ahead of LA is a collection of some of the most successful NFL franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs (#2), Detroit Lions (#1), and Baltimore Ravens (#3). The Philadelphia Eagles, widely regarded as one of the smartest drafting teams in the league, are ranked just ahead of the Chargers at No. 9.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (8.41)
Top 50 picks: 8
Pro Bowls: 3
Starting seasons: 32
Best pick: QB Justin Herbert (No. 6, 2020); Worst pick: G Zion Johnson (No. 17, 2022); Best value: OL Jamaree Salyer (No. 195, 2022)
“Injuries and coaching changes have gotten in the way here, but the Chargers followed the Herbert pick by adding quality in Rashawn Slater and, most recently, Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey,” Baumgardner writes. “Even Johnson hasn’t been bad. There’s a reason why Jim Harbaugh was able to get this team off the mat quickly — the Chargers have talent.”
While the team has drafted well, they have had their share of draft day whiffs, most notably wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who was picked in the first round of 2023. The Chargers have also struggled to find running backs in the draft despite picking five in the last five drafts.
The Chargers have also found gold in later rounds. Daiyan Henley, Otito Ogbonnia, and Tuli Tuipulotu have solidified themselves as starters, as has Alohi Gilman, who earned a second contract.
Baumgardner identifies how the revolving door of coaches (and coordinators) has upended their drafts. A quick glance at the first Harbaugh-led draft reveals a mixed bag. Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey were home runs, while Junior Colson and Justin Eboigbe struggled to get playing time. Cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart showed high-level starting quality play last year as well.
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