It is still a bit early to do a Chargers mock draft as there is a lot of time between now and the 2024 NFL Draft. A lot can change both in the prospect rankings as well as where the teams end up in the draft order.
But with the Chargers falling to 4-6 on the season and essentially eliminating themselves from realistic postseason contention, many fans have turned toward the 2024 offseason. The biggest storyline heading into the offseason will be whether or not Brandon Staley gets hired, and who the team will bring in to replace him.
Regardless of if he is fired or not, there are some big holes that Tom Telesco (or whoever the new GM is if he is fired) will have to fix. With limited resources to use in free agency, the 2024 NFL Draft becomes very important. With the Chargers currently holding the 12th overall pick, we jumped on Pro Football Focus' Mock Draft Simulator to compile what the first three rounds may look like.
Chargers select Kool-Aid McKinstry with 12th overall pick
The Chargers desperately need secondary help and Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the elite cornerbacks of the 2024 draft class. There is a decent chance that McKinstry goes before the 12th overall pick but there is also a good chance that the Chargers end up with a higher selection with how this season is going.
J.C. Jackson is gone, Michael Davis has been awful and will be gone after the 2023 season, Ja'Sir Taylor is stuck in the slot and Asante Samuel Jr. doesn't have what it takes to be a true CB1. The Chargers desperately need someone who can step in and be the premier cornerback of this defense.
McKinstry has all the traits that a team could ever want in an elite cornerback. He's tall, lengthy, fast, and his tape absolutely jumps off the screen. If he is available for the Bolts, regardless of where the team is picking, he is a no-brainer.