• The Los Angeles Chargers can still hit the jackpot at No. 5: Marvin Harrison Jr. falling to the fifth overall pick would be the best-case scenario for the Chargers in Round 1.
• Emphasis on the defensive side of the ball on Day 2: Ruke Orhorhoro and Andru Phillips would inject some necessary talent into the Chargers’ defense.
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As we charge towards the 2024 NFL Draft (get it?), our seven-round team mock draft series continues with the Los Angeles Chargers. With a lot of picks and a new identity to establish now that Jim Harbaugh is in charge, here is what draft weekend could look like for Los Angeles.
Round 1, Pick 5: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
OK, we win, right? No need to do the rest of the mock.
In all seriousness, this one doesn’t need too much explaining. I imagine Marvin Harrison Jr. is No. 1 on the Chargers’ big board. If he makes it to No. 5, I have a hard time believing they will trade this pick, even with one of the big four quarterback prospects still on the board. If anything, they would trade one spot back with the New York Giants so they can draft a quarterback while the Chargers can still get Harrison, but that might also be risky since the Giants need a wide receiver, too.
Round 2, Pick 37: DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
The Chargers brought back Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack to play on the edge in 2024, but they could use some new talent along the interior defensive line. In a projected 3-4 defense, Orhorhoro could play one of the two end spots. He measured in at 6-foot-4 and 294 pounds, which is still a bit lighter for interior defensive linemen, as a whole, but as a defensive end for the Chargers, he could be the perfect fit. He tested like an elite interior defensive lineman with most athletic scores from the combine coming in the high 80th percentile or low 90th percentile. He wins a bit too much off athleticism right now, but as long as he hones in on the fundamentals his versatility will be displayed.
Round 3, Pick 69: CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky
Los Angeles could use another outside cornerback. Right now, the Chargers' projected depth chart is Asante Samuel, who can play but is also under 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, and Kristian Fulton on a one-year deal. Michigan played a good amount of man coverage under Harbaugh, and Phillips is an aggressive and athletic man coverage defender who was fearless at the Senior Bowl. He then posted impressive explosiveness scores in the vertical and broad jumps at the combine. He’s not much bigger than Samuel, but those 10 extra pounds and longer length are a big difference maker for his style of coverage.
Round 4, Pick 105: CB Tykee Smith, Georgia
Speaking of aggressive coverage players, Smith is a safety/cornerback hybrid who has made a home at the nickel over the last few years. His size at over 200 pounds gives him good strength to handle tight ends in the slot, but he is also athletic enough to keep up with some receivers (though the ceiling of his movement skills will be average). Ultimately, though, I like him for the Chargers because he isn’t shy to tackle. He has the strength to consistently wrap up and force some fumbles. If Harbaugh can’t get his guy Mike Sainristil earlier in the draft, Smith would be a good pivot.
Round 4, Pick 110: LB Cedric Gray, North Carolina
The Chargers are down their two starting backers from last season with Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray now playing elsewhere. Their projected starters are some combination of Nick Niemann, Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman. They might look for a linebacker sooner than the fourth round (I think Michigan linebacker Junior Colson will be on their radar due to the Harbaugh connection), but Cedric Gray has multiple years of starting experience, good speed and good length to be a potential contributor for this group.
Round 5, Pick 140: RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
With Austin Ekeler now on the Washington Commanders, a lot of carries (and receptions) are up for grabs in the Chargers backfield. The team signed Gus Edwards to compete for that starting role, and the Chargers also have Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson and Jarrett Patterson. Guerendo never became the starter at either Wisconsin or Louisville, so it would be tough to say he would do so as a Day 3 pick. However, even if he is not a starter, Guerendo brings 73rd percentile height and weight with 98th, 97th and 95th percentile 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jump numbers from the combine. Simply put, even if it’s just a few opportunities early on, you take a chance on a guy with those physical gifts at the position.
Round 6, Pick 186: OT Nathan Thomas, Louisiana
If you keep things in a phone booth, Thomas has the power profile to make the roster as a depth offensive tackle in a man/gap offense.
Round 7, Pick 225: C Dylan McMahon, N.C. State
McMahon is a versatile interior offensive lineman who wins with quickness and consistent fundamentals. However, he likely lacks the length and strength of a starting-caliber NFL offensive lineman.
Round 7, Pick 253: S Josh Proctor, Ohio State
Proctor has lined up in the slot, in the box and as a deep safety. He's a better run defender than he is in coverage, but at a minimum, he is capable of sticking around on special teams in the NFL.
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