The 2024 NFL Draft is later this month and it is the most important draft in recent franchise history for the LA Chargers. Much like the Chargers were able to kickstart a new era in 2020 by drafting Justin Herbert, the Bolts have the ability to kickstart a new era under Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz.
The 2024 NFL Draft is going to serve as the foundation for the next half-decade and if the team is going to win a Super Bowl with Harbaugh then it needs to have a strong draft class. With the fifth overall pick in the draft, the Bolts have the means to make this a draft class to remember.
That does not mean the Chargers are guaranteed to take a top-five prospect, however. The Bolts could also capitalize on this quarterback-heavy class to move down in the draft, with the Minnesota Vikings being circled as a potential trade-back partner.
Both sides of the argument (staying put vs. trading down) have merit so it will be interesting to see what direction the Chargers take. Ultimately, it appears that the Chargers are at least taking the idea of trading back seriously, as indicated by the team's prospect visits.
Alabama edge Dallas Turner, who could be the first defensive player off the board, is visiting the #Vikings today. Minnesota owns the No. 11 pick (and No. 23).
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 8, 2024
A busy pre-draft process for Turner, who also has visits with the #Bears, #Chargers,#Falcons and #Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/NDGjaEsMga
Chargers' prospect visits prove trading down is a real option
The Chargers were one of the teams that Dallas Turner met with (along with the Minnesota Vikings) and he is not the only prominent defensive player that has met with Harbaugh and Co. UCLA's Laiatu Latu has also met with the Chargers, and is projected to be drafted in a similar range as Turner.
Pro Football Focus ranks Turner as the 16th prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft while Latu checks in as the 11th-ranked prospect. Of course, drafts never go exactly as big boards indicate, but it is clear that both players could be in play with the 11th pick.
Both players are also edge rushers, which is an interesting development. Just because the Chargers met with them does not guarantee they are going to draft either player but it is interesting that the team is even giving first-round edge rushers the light of day. After keeping Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa around, while getting rid of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, one would think that a first-round edge rusher would be out of the picture.
Granted, Mack is a free agent after the 2024 season and Bosa could become a cap casualty but the team still has Tuli Tuipulotu. Edge rusher is probably at the bottom of the team's needs right ahead of quarterback but alas, the Chargers could surprise us all.
The Chargers are just doing their due diligence so nobody should be going out and getting custom-made Turner or Latu jerseys anytime soon. But if the Chargers fall in love with one of these prospects, and a trade-down is on the table, then the Bolts could shock the world.