2024 Chargers Draft Superthread - Prospect Discussion - Draft Has Started

[charger1_sj]

Arizona and LAC aren’t taking QB’s so it doesn’t make sense to trade with Arizona versus Chargers. Arizona would be more costly for the same result.

And Pats would be foolish to not stay put and get one of the top 3 franchise QB’s. I find it hard to believe they would trade.

I hope it’s the Chargers that get the trade offer. Quantity in the first 2-3 rounds is more important than quality in this team that has so many needs.

For example, I would rather have one of the top OT’s and WR’s than the very best at either position.

Not sure what you're talking about. Arizona is open to trade down, that is all.

NE is open to trade per their HC. Of course it's liar's month so you can't trust what is being reported. The difference is that both Arizona and
the Chargers are in a good position to trade down since there are so many QB hungry teams and only so many good ones to go around.

It will take a lot to get NE to move out of #3, but somebody might want to mortgage their franchise to do it.

[DerwinBosa]

Bob McGinn of Go Long on what scouts and executives are saying about some of the favorites on this forum:

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (6-3, 209): Fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. “He’s the real deal,” one scout said. “He’s legit. He’s everything they say. He’s huge, he’s quick, he’s got sneaky speed and he catches everything.”

Caught a mere 11 passes as a member of the Buckeyes’ loaded wide-receiver group as a true freshman before catching 144 passes for 2,474 yards (17.2 average) and 28 touchdowns in the past two seasons. “They had a bad quarterback (Kyle McCord) this year and he still averaged 18.1 yards a catch,” said a second scout. “He’s good on back shoulders, fades, traffic catches. He’s a lot bigger than his dad (Marvin Sr., who was 6-0, 180 coming out in 1996). He reminded me of Calvin Johnson with his size, quickness, hands, speed, body control and run after the catch.” One of the first players in combine history to shun the scheduled media interview; also didn’t work out. “Calvin’s much more gifted,” a third scout said. “I kind of liken him to Larry Fitzgerald. And, of the top handful of guys (wide receivers), his character is the cleanest. He’s going to be a great NFL player just like Larry Fitzgerald was. Very similar.”

Malik Nabers, Louisiana State (NA): NFL teams have no verified height, weight or speed after he declined measurements and testing in Indianapolis. “He’s not Harrison,” one scout said. “If you see that he’s better than Harrison, just ignore it. He’s more of that D.J. Moore kind of player. Thick running-back build. They do a lot of that underneath movement, slip-screen stuff with him. He’s a good player, a really good player. Tough, strong. I don’t think he has elite ball skills. He’ll be a good starter.” Had four dropped passes in the eight games broken down by another scout. “That was the only thing that disappointed me,” he said. “But they were all on slants and hitches so I think he’s so anxious to run after the catch that he doesn’t concentrate sometimes. He has the best run-after-the-catch of the group. After the catch this guy is just sensational. This guy’s quicker than Justin Jefferson but Justin Jefferson is stronger and better in traffic. Nabers is amazing after the catch, and that’s what it’s all about, really, today.” Finished second in college football last season with 1,569 receiving yards. “He’s more physically talented than Harrison but he’s not as big and not as much of a pro as Marvin is,” said a third scout. “He’s got some volatility, some immaturity. Of the top three guys, if there’s one whose makeup would not allow him to reach his potential, it might be Nabers. But he’s very passionate about football and plays the game that way and is highly competitive. The other (top) kids are just so damn clean.”

Rome Odunze, Washington (6-3, 212): Saved his best for last, compiling career bests in 2023 for receptions (92), yards (1,640), average (17.8) and TDs (13). “He might be faster than Harrison,” said one scout. “Harrison is more powerful. Who is he like? Tim Brown. He has Tim Brown’s smoothness. All of a sudden he’s on top of you and he’s gone. He’s a complete receiver, too. He can catch, run after the catch and he blocks.” His 40 time at the combine was 4.45, his vertical jump of 39 inches was excellent and his shuttle runs were outstanding. “He’s a great kid and it wouldn’t surprise me if Odunze ended up being the best of the class,” a second scout said. “What’s crazy is he has production and there were three receivers there (Washington) that are getting drafted. He could be the slam dunk of the group. He’s not getting as much (hype) now but let’s be honest, some of that is because he’s on the West Coast.” Finished with 214 receptions and a 15.3 average. “He’s good, but I have some issues with his quickness and his ability to separate,” a third scout said. “He’s strong, but his lack of explosiveness really bothered me. You hear, ‘He makes these great plays,’ but none of them are really high in the air. They’re all where he bodies guys and they’re lower catches. You just don’t do that in the NFL. You better go up over somebody. I think he’ll be a solid pro. Nothing special.”

Brock Bowers, Georgia (6-3, 243): Declined to work out at the combine. “I think he’s better than the kid Atlanta took from Florida (Kyle Pitts),” said one scout. “Not as fast. He’s the most no-brainer, top-10 tight end I’ve seen in a long time. He’s not an outgoing guy. Just goes about his business. Not rah-rah, not a leader, but he’s a hell of a player. His run after the catch is phenomenal.” In three seasons he caught 175 passes for a 14.5 average and 26 TDs. “He runs such good routes,” another scout said. “You wouldn’t think he’d be all that quick but he runs by people. Exceptional athletic ability, strong hands, speed. You’re not going to jam him. You can’t jam. Because he’ll run right through you. He separates.” Underwent Tightrope surgery to repair a high-ankle sprain late in the season and returned 26 days later. “You got this little guy who’s not a really good athlete and you’re saying he’ll be a top-10 pick?” a third scout said. “I just don’t see it. He’s been built up over the last couple years that he’s like Kittle and Kelce. He is not those guys. He is not explosive. He’s not fast. They schemed the hell out of him to get him balls, and he does a good job with that. He does have really good hands when he’s free. But if you’re just talking about a dynamic playmaker — he is not it. He cannot block, either. He looks small small. I bet he’ll be 230. Maybe he’ll beef up and all that.”

Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame (6-8 ½, 321): His father, Jon, was 6-7, 270 out of Iowa in 1984 when Kansas City drafted him No. 21 in 1984. His 13-year career with the Chiefs included two Pro Bowls. “He’s just like his dad,” one scout said. “Natural left tackle, just smooth like his dad was. I imagine he worked with his dad because his pass technique is just exceptional and he has great pad level as a run blocker.” Played some tight end in 2021 for the Fighting Irish before settling in at LT. “He’s kind of no-frills but he’s a big human,” another scout said. “Probably not the ideal left tackle athlete but he’s good enough. Great kid, clean character. He probably has the least wow of the top three (tackles) but he’s also probably the most consistent performer. He’s a guy that sometimes we try to overthink and talk ourselves out of. He’s like Joe Thomas. He’s pro ready.” Ran 5.05, and his 3-cone of 7.31 ranked third among the O-linemen. Arms were 34 ¼, hands were 10. “Not a real powerful guy at this point but he can really pull,” a third scout said. “He’s only played three years. He’s a true junior. He’s my No. 1 left tackle.”

Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon State (6-6, 324): Four-year player, two-year starter at RT. “He’s probably the next guy just because he’s so big and he’s not a big slug,” one scout said. “He’s a little bit more of a right tackle-guard than left tackle. But he is powerful. He’s a pretty easy mover for such a giant. At the Senior Bowl he looked a little bit more like a Pro Bowl inside player but the school tape is really good at tackle.” Clocked 5.13. “Played right tackle but he can play left,” a second scout said. “Dominant run and pass blocker. He destroyed (Laiatu) Latu of UCLA. I didn’t want to put him up with the other (leading) guys but the more I watched him I had to. He shows leverage, tenacity, nasty. Destroys people. Good pass-block technician. Has a great anchor.” Arms were just 33 1/8, hands were 10 1/8. “I keep trying to like him,” said a third scout. “He’s a solid right tackle only. Not really light on his feet. You need feet to control and sustain. He’s kind of a one-shot guy. If you get (the opponent) initially, you got it. But if he’s got to adjust to sustain I didn’t really see that. For me, he’s second round, but I know where he’s going (first round).”

Byron Murphy, Texas (6-0 ½, 297): Posted the third-fastest 40 time among the defensive linemen (4.87). “His athletic ability and quickness are amazing … off the charts,” one scout said. “Plays his ass off. He’s destructive. The two-gap stuff is not really his deal but he’ll drop a knee in there, he’ll hang in there. Pass rush, his power and explosiveness through the gap, that’s his deal. In this modern NFL, with all the throwing, he’s going to be a problem. I like him better than (Calijah) Kancey from last year, who was another undersized guy. Much better player. Stronger. Kancey kind of came on a little because he worked out like a phenom, but I don’t care how this guy worked out.” His vertical jump of 33 inches ranked second at the position. Bench-pressed 28 times. “Disciplined both run and pass,” another scout said. “Excellent straight-line power pass rusher. Thing that worries me is he’s going to be 6-0 and weigh only 300. You will have to team him up with a (much bigger) guy. Can Murphy play square? Yes, I think he can play square.” Arms were just 32 3/8 inches, hands were 10 ¼ inches. “High character,” said a third scout. “He’s sudden, flexible, plays on his feet. Hands and feet work well together. Got pass rush for an inside guy. He’s fairly strong for his size but he’s more of a movement-oriented scheme player, of which there are many nowadays. He’s the best one.”

Braden Fiske, Florida State (6-0 ½, 292): Played five years at Western Michigan and another in Tallahassee. Had multiple injuries (bulging lumbar disc, shoulder surgery, elbow surgery) in high school and Kalamazoo. “You don’t want to like him because he doesn’t look awesome,” said one scout. “But this guy plays every down like he’s going to the firing squad after the down’s over. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anybody play this hard. The lack of length shows up as a pass rusher, but for his size he’s powerful and a penetrator. He gets behind the line of scrimmage. He can run. Really good athlete. He can bend. He’s going to be a really good player. It wouldn’t even surprise me to see him go ahead of Murphy. This guy’s a f------ buzzsaw.” Made 31 starts for the Broncos and 13 for FSU, finishing with 19 ½ sacks. “Has short arms but uses his hands well,” a second scout said. “Outstanding worker. Has to be kicked out of the weight room. Blue-collar pro mindset. More disruptive than productive as a rusher. Gets stuck on bigger and longer offensive linemen at times.” Paced the position in the 40 (4.78), vertical jump (33 ½) and broad jump (9-9). Had 26 reps on the bench and scored 24 on the Wonderlic. “He just goes all-out, all-out, all-out,” said a third scout. “The more you watch him the more you like him.” Had a big week at the Senior Bowl. Arms were just 31, hands were 9 3/8.

T’Vondre Sweat, Texas (6-4 ½, 366): The Longhorns’ first unanimous All-America defensive tackle since Kenneth Sims in 1981. “You see these video games,” said one scout. “He just picks people up and tosses guys. He’s an athlete. He’s mobile. And for a big guy he played hard. At the Senior Bowl he must have weighed 400 pounds or something because he refused to step on the scale.” Came in at 366 a month later at the combine. “He’s going to go first round but he’s an overweight lazy (bleep),” a second scout said. “He is very talented. He’s always going to have a weight problem. You can take that to the bank. He played in spurts the last couple years. But the big, strong (bleep) is hard to move.” Compared by scouts to nose tackles such as Gilbert Brown, Sam Adams and Jordan Davis. “He’s been up to almost 400,” said a third scout. “He’s like 380 something in-season. His football character is terrible. For people that don’t care he’s got top-two round ability. He’s not quite the freak show that Jordan Davis was but for a big, fat guy he does some pretty impressive (bleep).” Statistically, his last of five seasons was his best. Clocked 5.27, vertical jump of 26 and broad jump of 8-2. Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10 1/8.

Laiatu Latu, UCLA (6-4 ½, 259, 4.64): Played at Washington, sat out 2020 with a neck injury and, in March 2021, the Huskies declared him as medically retired. Nine months later, Latu announced that he would attempt to resume his career at UCLA, which he did playing 25 games in 2022-’23. “I know he’s got all this medical stuff but as far as a player he is a menace,” one scout said. “He’s Top 5 as far just what he does in games. His rush feel, the moves, the spins, the instincts, the technique. He’s just a difference-maker. He reminded me of (Jaelan) Phillips when he came out of Miami. To me, he’s the best (edge). But I keep hearing about how bad his injury stuff is. You get into necks, that’s the thing that might get him.” Saved his best for last with 13 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2023. “Strictly a technician,” a second scout said. “He’s not an explosive guy. He is a very smart player. He’s a 3-4 ‘backer. Best as a pass rusher. Better on the right side than the left side. He can play in space. He does not play against the run well at all. Gets high, could be more physical. I think what you see is what you get with him.” Clocked 4.64 and his jumps were solid. “He’s just natural as a pass rusher,” said a third scout. “He’s got some off-field concerns. He’s a Top 15 guy depending on how you feel about the injury.” Arms were 32 5/8, hands were 9 5/8.

Dallas Turner, Alabama (6-2 ½, 247): Third-year junior with three starts in 2021, 10 in ’22 and 14 in ’23. “He’s a playmaker,” said one scout. “His technique needs to improve but he’s got tools to be a force. He can set the edge versus tight ends and stretch plays. He can stress edges. Better pass rusher. Little undersized but he’s active and twitchy and has speed and close.” Played opposite Will Anderson in 2022. “They’re not even comparable,” a second scout said. “Anderson played hard, played tough against the run. This guy against the run, he just catches. Not a good tackler at all. … He can cover, too. But when you stick him as a 7-technique in a two-point stance he can rush the passer.” Made some money at the Combine with edge-leading efforts in the 40 (4.46) and the vertical jump (40 ½). “I can’t figure out what the big deal is,” a third scout said, obviously before Indy. “He’ll flash a play every so often when they stunt him and he comes free. He just doesn’t have much distinguishing talent and he’s not really productive. Off the edge he’s not really a silky-moving guy. They drop him a lot and I don’t know why because he’s not that kind of an athlete. Against the run he’s not really rugged. He’ll flash some stuff against tight ends. Overall, I don’t see much.” Very long arms (34 3/8), hands were 9 7/8.

Jared Verse, Florida State (6-4, 254): Played tight end in high school and had zero FBS offers. Spent three years at FCS Albany, gaining 40 pounds during the pandemic and moving to defensive end. Had 18 sacks in two seasons for the Seminoles. “He kind of plays like a guy that went to Albany,” said one scout. “Pissed off that’s where he went. He’s not the top three (edges) but he’s good. It wouldn’t surprise me of he went in the last few picks of the first but he’s probably more like a second-rounder. Not on the level physically as the others. More like bad ass. Strong. Tough ass.” Clocked 4.58, impressed in the jumps (35 vertical, 10-7 broad) and led on the bench press with 31. “He’s the most complete defensive end,” a second scout said. “Plays with really good technique, pad level and leverage against the run. He is stout against the run. Explosive pass rusher. He played hard play after play after play.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 9 7/8. “Not a top talent but I like the way he played,” said a third scout. “Got a lot of energy. As a pass rusher, he’s not really a guy trying to beat you off the edge with moves. He’s more, ‘I’m gonna keep coming with second effort.’ He brings it all the time and wears people out.”

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M (6-2, 230): Four-year player, two-year starter. “He was the only one of the ‘backers that looked like the entire package,” said one scout. “He’s by far the best because he can rush the passer, too. Eight sacks this year as the boundary linebacker. He did play 7-technique sometimes. Has up-field dip. As an inside ‘backer, he timed his blitzes. You see him downfield with backs on wheels.” Clocked 4.51 with a vertical of 34 ½ and a broad jump of 9-10. “Starting with Alabama (Oct. 7) he played as good as any linebacker there is,” a second scout said. “He can fly. He might go (first round) but he can’t wear the green dot. They had a freshman (Taurean York) running the defense. Cooper’s problem is he’s a real linear built kid. He weighed 218 at the start of the year.” Has very long arms (34). “Physical freak,” a third scout said. “You want to draw up an NFL linebacker, he looks like one. Just the way this guy moves. He can cover — better in man than zone … He has been a little inconsistent. There are some concerns about his instincts. Just don’t give this guy too much. Put him at ‘will’ and let him run around. From a physical standpoint, if you’re comfortable with the guy mentally, he has first-round talent.”

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo (6-0, 195): Academic issues played a role why he ended up in the MAC rather than a Power 5 conference. “Only thing that worries you about him is just the level of guys he was going against consistently,” said one scout. “Once he gets used to dealing with other guys he’ll be able to do it because his skill set is so good. He’s willing (to tackle). I don’t know if he was saving himself in certain situations or it was that I’m-getting-ready-to-go-pro deal. Some games you could see him really selling out and other games you could kind of see him going, ‘Maybe next week.’” Three-year starter with five interceptions (two for touchdowns) as a junior and then just one pick in 2023. “This year, teams stayed away from him,” said a second scout. “Wasn’t challenged deep much. Quick feet, loose hips, great range. He might turn out to be the best of the group.” Posted the second fastest 40 (4.33) at the position and his 20 reps on the bench press ranked first. “He’s an athletic development guy,” said a third scout. “He played young without much tempo. Didn’t have a great feel for the game. Grabs all over the place. It’s more an athlete playing as opposed to a player with really good athletic ability. Maybe because of Toledo and all that. Maybe at the Senior Bowl he turned it up, but two days of practice isn’t a true indicator.” Arms were 31, hands were 9 ¼.

Terrion Arnold, Alabama (5-11 ½, 189): Redshirted in 2021, made seven starts in ’22 and had five picks and 12 passes defensed in ’23. “Other than technique and consistency he has it all,” said one scout. “He’s got fluid movement skills. He can play off and press. Zone, man. He anticipates. He has the speed to cover deep. He can hit and tackle. He makes plays. He has no weakness. Top 20.” Playing opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry, teams challenged him more often. “I like him more than Kool-Aid because he’s more physical,” a second scout said. “Good aggressive tackler. He comes up and actually hits people. It’ll get down to what he runs.” In Indy, he clocked 4.50, the 19th-best time at the position. How that affects his draft status remains to be seen. “Really, he’s just learning how to play the position,” a third scout said. “He checks so many boxes that don’t include his natural athleticism. When you look into his background he’s got leader written all over him. He was a safety at some point so he is (a hitter), but he’s fast so they moved him outside. To me, he’s the top guy because you don’t have to figure out what he can’t do.” Vertical of 37, broad jump of 10-9 were adequate. Arms were 31 5/8, hands were 8 7/8.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama (5-11 ½, 199): Five-star recruit made six starts for injured Josh Jobe as a freshman in 2021 before taking over in ’22 and breaking up a career-high 15 passes. “His weaknesses are warding off blocks in run support,” one scout said. “No, no, he’s not timid. Doesn’t have much play strength. Everything else he’s got. Coverability, athletic ability, size, speed, production, tackling, competes. He’s a very good coverage corner. He’ll have a focus loss and give up a play. But he can be sticky on abrupt change (of direction) by the receiver.” Plans to work at pro day March 20 after being red-flagged at the combine for a foot fracture. “More of a man guy than a zone guy,” said a second scout. “He gives you the benefit of the punt return. When you watch him return it looks like he can run. He’s OK, not overly physical. You don’t look for corners to be overly physical. He gave up some plays early but got better as the season went along.” Arms were 32, hands were 8 1/2. “I guess he’ll be taken in the first,” a third scout said. “Good athlete, not great. But really a non-factor (against the run). He doesn’t even float in run support. He just absolutely refused to do anything in run support. I question this guy’s NFL temperament.” Added a fourth scout: “I thought he’d run 4.5.”

[Lefty2SLO]

I think you are right right. I believe Harbaugh is being truly genuine, but in being genuine he's helping his cause in the draft.

That's the genius . . . . . . . . .

[Chargers8491]

I'm going to spit ball (talking out loud) a possible trade scenario to play out with #4 and #5 picks so please don't crucify me..lol. If anything has been posted like this, I apologize I haven't seen it.

1) Vikings trade up with the Cards for the #4 pick. Vikings take JJ. Cards receive #11, #23, and 2025 #1.

2) Cards then trade up with the Chargers for the #5 pick. Cards take MHJ. Chargers receive #11, #23, and either 2024 2nd or 3rd rnd pick.

Vikings get their QB, Cards get their WR plus next year's Vikings 1st rnd pick, and Chargers get 2 extra pic picks this year in the top 100. You could definitely play around with compensation the teams receive. For example, the Vikings might have to give up their 2024 4th rnd pick or another 2025 pick to move up to #4.

Seems like a win-win-win for all 3 teams.

[charger1_sj]

I'm going to spit ball (talking out loud) a possible trade scenario to play out with #4 and #5 picks so please don't crucify me..lol. If anything has been posted like this, I apologize I haven't seen it.

1) Vikings trade up with the Cards for the #4 pick. Vikings take JJ. Cards receive #11, #23, and 2025 #1.

2) Cards then trade up with the Chargers for the #5 pick. Cards take MHJ. Chargers receive #11, #23, and either 2024 2nd or 3rd rnd pick.

Vikings get their QB, Cards get their WR plus next year's Vikings 1st rnd pick, and Chargers get 2 extra pic picks this year in the top 100. You could definitely play around with compensation the teams receive. For example, the Vikings might have to give up their 2024 4th rnd pick or another 2025 pick to move up to #4.

Seems like a win-win-win for all 3 teams.

Why would that make sense for the Cards? Just stay put and take MH2, done.

[Chargers8491]

Why would that make sense for the Cards? Just stay put and take MH2, done.

They get the guy they wanted anyway plus an extra 1st rnd pick in 2025 and potentially another 2024 or 2025 rnd pick depending on if Vikings have to offer more.

[Maniaque 6]

All depends of what will be the value of the Vikings 2025 1st round pick.

[Leslie Grossman]

It’s almost a lock to be top ten, unless JJ is Andrew Luck good as a rookie

[Riverwalk]

I'm going to spit ball (talking out loud) a possible trade scenario to play out with #4 and #5 picks so please don't crucify me..lol. If anything has been posted like this, I apologize I haven't seen it.

1) Vikings trade up with the Cards for the #4 pick. Vikings take JJ. Cards receive #11, #23, and 2025 #1.

2) Cards then trade up with the Chargers for the #5 pick. Cards take MHJ. Chargers receive #11, #23, and either 2024 2nd or 3rd rnd pick.

Vikings get their QB, Cards get their WR plus next year's Vikings 1st rnd pick, and Chargers get 2 extra pic picks this year in the top 100. You could definitely play around with compensation the teams receive. For example, the Vikings might have to give up their 2024 4th rnd pick or another 2025 pick to move up to #4.

Seems like a win-win-win for all 3 teams.

If the Vikings want JJ why spend more draft capital than it would require trading with the Chargers?

Is there another team willing to trade with Arizona for JJ so that’s why they need to do it?

[eaterfan]

If the Vikings want JJ why spend more draft capital than it would require trading with the Chargers?

Is there another team willing to trade with Arizona for JJ so that’s why they need to do it?

I'd imagine that's the reason. I like picks 11 and 23, but if the Raiders or Broncos offered their 1st round picks this year, a day 2 pick this year, and their fist next year, I might prefer it. I think there's a very real path where both/either of those teams have top 10 picks next year. If JJ is bad, I could see the Broncos in the top 5 easily.

[Chargers8491]

If the Vikings want JJ why spend more draft capital than it would require trading with the Chargers?

Is there another team willing to trade with Arizona for JJ so that’s why they need to do it?

Yeah, pretty much. There are a number of teams that need a QB that could trade up with Arizona. #6 Giants, #11 Minnesota, #12 Denver, #13 Raiders, and #14 Saints.

[gzubeck]

I'd imagine that's the reason. I like picks 11 and 23, but if the Raiders or Broncos offered their 1st round picks this year, a day 2 pick this year, and their fist next year, I might prefer it. I think there's a very real path where both/either of those teams have top 10 picks next year. If JJ is bad, I could see the Broncos in the top 5 easily.

I would take Sauce Gardner and the Jets #10 in a heartbeat. Who says the Jets don't need a QB either.