3 Michigan players who Jim Harbaugh could draft with the Chargers
Many signs are pointing toward Jim Harbaugh becoming the LA Chargers head coach for 2024. The Chargers could achieve their offseason's No. 1 goal any moment now and fans are impatiently waiting for the official announcement.
While Harbaugh would take his success, offensive background, and culture change to Los Angeles, he could also draft top-level players from the Michigan Wolverines. Not only are they college football champions, but Harbaugh would feel more confident selecting someone he has already coached and shared a locker room with. However, those pieces must fill a specific role with the Chargers, either filling vulnerable positions or replacing departing players.
Given that condition, I list three players – projected to be selected in different rounds – from the University of Michigan who make sense for the Chargers in the 2024 NFL Draft:
Chargers could draft CB Mike Sainristil in the fourth round
It feels mandatory for the Chargers to strengthen the cornerback room. And Mike Sainristil, ESPN's First Team All-American, would be an ideal depth option.
The 2023 pass defense for the Chargers was abominable, ranking second to last in total yards. The team also allowed many big plays, ranking 29th in passing yards per play. The defense looked spoiled since the Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins.
A great Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler game on the offensive side of the ball was not enough, as Tua Tagovailoa & Tyreek Hill burned JC Jackson, Michael Davis and the rest of the defensive backs. Similar situations occurred against Detroit and Green Bay, when Chargers fans became fed up with the Brandon Staley defense.
The University of Michigan defense led NCAA Division I with 9.5 points per game and was the second-best pass defense with 153 yards per game. Sainristil was a crucial piece by having 5 interceptions and two pick-sixes.
According to Bleacher Report, Sainristil is at his best on pass coverage, as well as on his ability to identify routes and ball-hawking. BR also states that Sainristil is more of a cornerback depth chart piece, as he lacks the size and physical strength to be a year 1 starter in the NFL. Therefore, the Chargers might add experienced cornerbacks via free agency or trade.