Questionable draft picks proving Chargers right with breakout performances

There were many holes on the Chargers roster heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, and how the new regime led by Jim Harbaugh would approach addressing them all was one of the more fascinating parts of the offseason. With a high first-rounder and an early second-rounder, they could easily fill the biggest weaknesses on the team, which is exactly what they did by selecting left tackle Joe Alt and wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

Both were highly touted coming out of college and (besides injuries) have been productive parts of the offense thus far.

After bulking up the offense, the Chargers focused heavily on the defense, making a few controversial picks in the fifth round, and it wasn't entirely because of who they chose; it was more that they selected cornerbacks with back-to-back picks: Tarheeb Still at No. 137 and Cam Hart at No. 140.

While the position was certainly a need that needed to be addressed, many felt it was a questionable decision to use their two fifth-rounders, who were only three picks apart, on the same position. However, the rookies are already proving to be worth the risk, as they continue to be among the highest-graded rookies in the league thus far.

Risky double-dip proven to be the right decision for the Chargers

In their Week 9 matchup with the Browns, Still was among the more impressive on the team. Pro Football Focus awarded him a 79.4 grade for his performance, putting him among the highest-graded rookies of the week. On top of that, he's earned an overall season grade of 73.9, allowing 20/34 receptions for 191 yards and a single touchdown.

Considering he's a fifth-round prospect and not many players taken at that point in any draft don't perform at a high level during their rookie season, it's impressive to see how well Still has done so far, even more so given the pressure he's under to help the developing defense.

To make the situation even better, Hart is performing at a high level, too. With the piling up of injuries in the Chargers secondary, Hart has stepped up big time when called upon, which again, is not expected for a fifth-round player. He's allowed 11/19 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown, right on par with his teammate's season stats.

It's incredible to see mid-round picks performing as well as they have, and it's even more impressive that the new regime seems to hit their first draft together out of the park. That sets the Chargers up to be successful for a long time and makes the 2025 draft more exciting to look forward to.