NFL insider elicits Chargers fans' worst fears with bold draft prediction
By Jerry Trotta
The most important LA Chargers draft in recent memory is just around the corner. With limited resources to spend in free agency, Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz can't afford to not come away with multiple impact players in this draft.
With the No. 5 overall pick, that should be relatively easy. However, there are several prospects worthy of being taken that high. Assuming quarterbacks fly off the board with the first three or even four picks, the Chargers should have their pick of the wide receiver and offensive line litters.
It seems most Chargers fans want the team to draft a receiver. The need is obvious after Keenan Allen was inexplicably traded and Mike Williams was released. With holes scattered throughout the roster, the Bolts could even facilitate a trade-back to net an extra pick on day two.
While Harbaugh and Hortiz have the Chargers headed in the right direction, fans should always be prepared for the worse-case scenario. That is exactly what NFL Network analyst/insider Bucky Brooks laid out on the "Bleav In Chargers" podcast.
“To me, I would almost put my entire paycheck that [Harbaugh’s] first pick will not be a pass-catcher. It’s going to be someone that’s at the line of scrimmage.” - Bucky Brooks on Chargers’ upcoming draft decision
— Lightning Pulse Podcast & Show (@LightningPulse_) April 11, 2024
Stars might be aligning for Chargers to take an offensive tackle with first pick in NFL Draft
Harbaugh and the Chargers have stated they want to establish the run in their new offense. New offensive coordinator Greg Roman will help manifest that and there's certainly something to be said about having a well-balanced offense. As great as Justin Herbert is, too much was on his shoulders last season. An improved running game can only benefit the Bolts.
But are the Chargers really in dire straits at offensive tackle? Rashawn Slater is already an elite left tackle and Trey Pipkins will make $9 million as the swing tackle. Pipkins is a better in pass-protection than as a run-blocker, but he's a serviceable right tackle in the league.
This tackle class is immensely talented, so it stands to reason the Chargers would nab their right tackle of the future. That would give LA two bookend tackles to protect Herbert. However, the state of the wide receiver room is too egregious to ignore with the first pick.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze all project as immediate WR1s with Pro Bowl and potentially All-Pro ceilings. While this WR class is incredibly deep, LSU's Brian Thomas is the only one outside of the consensus top three that has WR1 potential. He won't be available for LA in the second round. The rest are seen as impact WR2s/WR3s.
We're not against the Chargers drafting a tackle altogether, but they could get a starting-caliber prospect in round two. Taking a tackle with the fifth pick would be a slap in the face to Herbert, even if Harbaugh and Co. do it with the intention of keeping the face of the franchise upright and healthy.