Los Angeles Chargers NFL draft picks 2024: Full list of team's round-by-round selections
Here is a 2024 NFL draft pick-by-pick breakdown for the Los Angeles Chargers:
Round 1 (No. 5 overall) — Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: A massive man (6-9, 321), the unanimous 2023 All-American – and son of legendary Chiefs lineman John Alt – is widely regarded as the best blocker in this draft and a plug-and-play starter. However, with Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater seemingly entrenched on the left side for the Bolts, Alt will likely move to right tackle. A team captain, Alt was a highly respected leader in South Bend and certainly a productive one – allowing just one sack total and just a handful of pressures over the past two seasons. QB Justin Herbert, who didn't make it through the 2023 season, can certainly use the added level of protection. But expect this team to run a lot more in 2024 courtesy of its fortified line and new head coach Jim Harbaugh's smashmouth philosophy. Draft tracker
Round 2 (34, from Patriots) — Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia: The Bolts trade up to address the departures of starting WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. McConkey would provide QB Justin Herbert with a reliable option either outside or from the slot, where he could maybe best complement 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston, who struggled as a rookie. On the small side (6-0, 186), McConkey offers sub-4.4 speed and quickness and is a plus route runner with return ability. Back and ankle injuries limited him to nine games last season. He is not related to former Giants WR Phil McConkey. Draft tracker
Round 3 (69) — Junior Colson, LB, Michigan: The Wolverine backer reunites with head coach Jim Harbaugh in LA. A do-it-all backer, the 6-2, 238-pounder should immediately compete for a starting role in this defense while spreading Harbaugh's philosophy. Draft tracker
Round 4 (105) — Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama: Eboigbe has the size (6-foot-4, 290 pounds) to greatly improve the Chargers' run defense early in Los Angeles. His length and motor make him a potential option rushing the passer. There are medical concerns, though, as Eboigbe missed most of 2022 with a season-ending neck injury. So long as his medical tests check out, he offers plenty of upside. Draft tracker
Round 5 (137, from Patriots) — Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland: Still was a consistent producer in college with 28 passes defensed and six interceptions in 39 career games. He started all but two games in Maryland and looks like he enjoys press coverage on tape. He's not an overwhelming athlete and lacks size but has the instincts to hold up and help a Chargers defense in transition. Draft tracker
Round 5 (140) — Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame: After taking Still three picks earlier, Los Angeles gets arguably a top-100 prospect with Hart here. His size at 6 feet, 3 inches makes him one of the longer corners in the draft. He lacks ball skills but his athleticism helps him match up against varied receiver types. He'll at the very least be a top-tier special teams gunner as he grows into a bigger role on defense. Draft tracker
Round 6 (181) — Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy: Vidal stands 5-8 but his 213-pound frame make him a strong blocker and physical runner. He doesn't have home-run speed but he can operate well in between the tackles. At best, Vidal's likely the fourth-best running back on the Chargers' depth chart. Draft tracker
Round 7 (225) — Brenden Rice, WR, USC: One of the best value picks of Day 3 sees the former Trojan staying in Los Angeles with the Chargers. The son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, he won't wow you with athleticism or physicality, but he finds the end zone regularly. He's efficient out of his breaks but he won't be a contested catch winner. This is a great pickup for Los Angeles for a player projected to go in earlier rounds. Draft tracker
Round 7 (253, compensatory selection) — Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan: Los Angeles gets another Michigan player with Johnson who boasts impressive athleticism. His route running is solid and his college production is among the best in Michigan's history. Despite his relatively short arms and small hands, he's reliable in 50/50 ball situations. His concentration leads to drops at times but he can grow into role with the Chargers. Draft tracker
Los Angeles Chargers' recent top draft picks
2023 (No. 21 overall): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
2022 (No. 17 overall): Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College
2021 (No. 13 overall): Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
2020 (No. 6 overall): Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
2019 (No. 28 overall): Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
Previous drafts: 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020
2024 NFL draft: Every team's picks
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers NFL draft picks 2024: Round-by-round selections
