The Los Angeles Chargers have an interesting dilemma, they should’ve competed for the AFC West Crown in 2023, but fell short and have a top-five pick heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. Many analysts and draft experts project the Chargers to draft Georgia Tight End Brock Bowers. I don’t see why they should. Is it a need? Yes, but not as big of a need as some think. The combination of Gerald Everett and Donald Parham Jr is a serviceable duo. That is if Everett and the Chargers agree to a new contract, even then I’d like to see them go after an established TE like Dalton Schultz.

Pick No. 5 – Olumuyia Fashanu – Penn State OT

The biggest need for the Chargers remains to be protecting Justin Herbert. The group underperformed in 2023, the one bright spot was Rashawn Slater who took a step in the right direction. Fashanu has been one of the best tackle prospects that I’ve ever watched. Especially, in the pass block with Corey Linsley possibly retiring. He may not be as good as Penei Sewell with the Detroit Lions, but he’s close.

Pick No. 37 – Leonard Taylor – Miami DT

I guess you could say two of the Chargers’ biggest needs happen to be in the trenches on both sides of the ball. With their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers can address those needs. Taylor could be a top-five player at his position but is being overlooked. In 2023, he made an impact for Miami in the 10 games he played with 19 tackles, 3.5 of those were for a loss and he recorded one sack. He has a skillset that is worth investing in.

Pick No. 71 – DJ James – Auburn CB

Since arriving on the Auburn campus, James has elevated his game. He was once a prominent CB with the Oregon Ducks. In two years with the Tigers, James has totaled 75 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 3 interceptions. One of those, he returned for a TD. He’s a scrappy and aggressive defender who has become dynamic in the secondary in his time in the SEC. He could profile as an inside or outside CB at the NFL level.

Pick No. 106 – Donovan Edwards – Michigan RB

Coming off his best game of the season on the biggest stage, the National Championship. Edwards struggled for most of the season, but came up big when the Wolverines needed him. There’s some uncertainty when it comes to Austin Ekeler. Many reports state that he’s not expected to return in 2024. They’re going to need someone who can hold down the fort. Edwards can and should be fresh after Blake Corum took the higher volume at Michigan.

Pick No. 139 – Jacob Cowing – Arizona WR

Another position that may see some change in 2024 for the Chargers is wide receiver. Keenan Allen will go down as arguably the best receiver in Chargers history but injuries are starting to get the best of him. The Chargers restructured his contract, but the future is unknown. He doesn’t want to leave the Chargers but it may happen.

Pick No. 183 – Javon Solomon – Troy DE

As mentioned above, the Chargers need help in the trenches. On the outsides of the D-Line they’re pretty solid with Kahlil Mack and Joey Bosa. Adding some depth wouldn’t hurt. Though a bit undersized, Solomon is explosive. The Troy edge rusher had 16 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2023, earning an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Pick No. 223 – Omar Speights – LSU LB

After four years with Oregon State, Speights transferred to LSU. Having a solid season in the SEC, Speights recorded 70 total tackles in 2023 through 10 games. He has adopted the role of being a sideline-to-sideline playmaker which would do wonders for the Chargers defense.

Pick No. 253 – Trey Knox – South Carolina TE

With one of the last picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers could grab that needed depth at Tight End. Per PFF, Knox is the seventh-best tight end in this year’s draft. His run-blocking grades have improved over the past couple of seasons and while his receiving grades are low, he moves well.

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