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PFF gives us an A:
Los Angeles Chargers: A- 1 (5): T Joe Alt, Notre Dame
- 2 (34): WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
- 3 (69): LB Junior Colson, Michigan
- 4 (105): DL Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
- 5 (137): CB Tarheeb Still, Maryland
- 5 (140): CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
- 6 (181): RB Kimani Vidal, Troy
- 7 (225): WR Brenden Rice, USC
- 7 (253): WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Alt — The Chargers had clear needs at both wide receiver and offensive tackle. They opted to beef up their offensive line, which should help keep franchise cornerstone Justin Herbert upright and spark a run game that has been non-existent in recent years. Alt allowed just 13 pressures across the last two seasons on over 700 pass-blocking snaps.
McConkey — After beefing up the trenches in the first round, Los Angeles trades up a few picks to get its wide receiver at the top of the second round. McConkey played over 600 snaps on the outside over the past two seasons at Georgia but projects as someone who will spend most of his time in the slot in the NFL. He has the speed to get vertical and the quickness to create separation underneath and add on after the catch, so he could quickly step into a significant role for the Chargers in Year 1.
Colson — The Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers select their first Michigan Wolverine, Colson. In 2023, Colson earned a career-high 90.2 tackling grade, missing just 4.7% of his tackle attempts over the season. He was also one of the best linebackers in the country in coverage, earning an 83.4 coverage grade.
Eboigbe — Eboigbe tallied career highs in sacks (seven) and QB pressures (31) in 2023. His 86.4 run-defense grade ranked second among all FBS edge rushers last year.
Still — Still is a physical cornerback with solid instincts and outside/slot versatility. He lined up in press coverage on 122 of his 289 coverage snaps in 2023, and his career-high five interceptions ranked third among Big Ten cornerbacks. He also showed some tenacity as a run defender, earning an 88.4 run-defense grade.
Hart — Hart allowed no touchdowns on 308 coverage snaps in 2023 and is a high-ceiling cornerback with great measurables and athleticism. The Chargers have made cornerback a priority on Day 3 after picking Tarheeb Still earlier, acquiring two different playstyles and body types in the fifth round.
Vidal — Vidal is a rocked-up, explosive athlete, but his vision for space needs to speed up for him to earn a rotational role in the NFL. However, he earned a career-high 93.2 rushing grade in 2023, scoring 14 touchdowns and forcing a whopping 94 missed tackles across 295 attempts.
Rice — It’s unclear why Rice fell so far in the draft. The son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, Brenden was PFF’s 125th overall prospect, so the Chargers may have found themselves one of the steals of Day 3. From 2022 to 2023, the USC receiver generated a 117.3 passer rating when targeted, ninth-best among all players at the position over that span.
Johnson — Jim Harbaugh goes back to Ann Arbor to bring in another Wolverine. Johnson is a very willing blocker in the run game and is also extremely underrated as a route-runner. There are multiple instances where Johnson made above-and-beyond catches on deep throws. Pair that with Justin Herbert’s bazooka, and this is a solid fit. Aside from receiving a 71.1 PFF grade in 2023, Johnson also received a national championship ring.
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-grades-all-32-teams#LACComment
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Originally posted by Topcat View PostJim Harbaugh focused on bringing in prospects from Power 5 conferences who played at big-time, winning programs.
I like that philosophy. I cant remember the last time we drafted a player (Eboigbe) from Alabama. Salyer was good as OT because at GA he faced top competition in the SEC every week. Most of this class have been playing against pro level competition. It makes a difference . TT drafted more on measurables and they seemed to relish finding gems in small programs who aren't as good when they get on the big stage. Look at all the dropped passes last year. There are reasons these guys were UDFA that aren't just due to being less known.Comment
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Yep...the only player we drafted that was not from a top school was Vidal, and even Troy is at least a Division I school, though at the lower level Sun Belt Conference...and BTW, the last Alabama player we drafted was over 10 years ago...Fluker...and he was a reach...but yes, I generally like the idea of drafting players from big time programs...Originally posted by Cdn Bolt View PostComment
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On paper Joe Hortiz draft is an A.
​​​​​His early picks were fantastic, but what he did rd4-7 could be pretty pretty good too.Who has it better than us?Comment
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Both these draftniks give the Bolts an "A". U can jump to the Chargers discussion at 1:08:42.Originally posted by Fleet 1 View Post
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I mean there is a solid chance all of these picks could be contributors this year. All of them. Or at least in the next two years.
As of right now, this is an A draft for me. Certainly time will tell.ESPN Screename: GoBolts02Comment
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Do any of the picks stand any chance of NOT getting an opportunity to play this year?
Coming off a lousy season with terrible depth, ALL of this years picks will get their chance to contribute.
I'm not saying 2022 KC Chiefs level but this group should contribute, as a whole, like none in the previous 20 years has.
Good first effort by Hortiz and Harbaugh.Comment
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The thing I like the most about this draft is that they are not going to take the field with Staley, but Jim FREAKING Harbaugh!!!!!!Comment
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