Best running back options for Chargers in 2024 NFL Draft

Chargers' best fifth-round running back: Will Shipley

With Dobbins now on the roster, there is a much higher chance that the Chargers wait until the final three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft to take a running back. While it is still possible in the fourth round, the Bolts would really have to love someone (like Lloyd) for that to happen.

Instead, Chargers fans should circle the fifth and sixth rounds as the most likely rounds in which the Chargers will take a back. If it ends up being in the fifth round, the hope would be that Will Shipley falls to the 140th pick for the Chargers to take a chance on his athleticism.

It is hard to project where Shipley will go because of his skill set. Shipley probably doesn't have the makings of being an every-down back. However, he has proven to be very valuable as a pass-catching back and also has special team potential.

The Chargers do not need a return man and a team that needs RB depth and a returner might take Shipley before the Bolts are on the clock in the fifth round. But even though there is not a spot for him a returner, the Chargers would benefit from adding Shipley simply because of the kind of weapon he can be out of the backfield.

There is a bit more risk involved in this kind of selection. If one of the Chargers' top two backs gets hurt and Shipley has to carry the ball more then there could be some learning curves. However, if he can slot in as a RB3 that mostly produces in the passing game then it can elevate the offense as a whole.