The Chargers are currently projected to hold the No. 6 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft with two weeks left in the season.
Sitting at 5-10, most of the attention has been shifted to the general manager and head coaching vacancies and what the team could do to bolster the roster.
With that being said, let’s take a look at who draft experts are pairing with L.A. in the first round ahead of Week 17.
Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice — OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
“Either way, the Chargers’ defense definitely needs help at all three levels. But with this being such an offensive-heavy draft, at least at the top of the first round, keeping the franchise quarterback upright and healthy takes precedence over reaching for a need.”
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
“Los Angeles continues stocking the offensive skill talent with the addition of Brock Bowers. Quentin Johnston could not be relied upon as a rookie and Mike Williams is coming back off an injury.”
Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan — EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
“This is a tough call as we don’t know what type of defensive scheme the Chargers will run going forward until they hire a new head coach. However, it’s obvious that they are in need of pass-rushing help for the future. Jared Verse, who is one of the top edge rushers available is the call here.”
Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
“This is an odd spot for the Chargers, who have tons of needs on defense, and will be welcoming a new coaching staff. The simple solution is always to take the best player on the board, and that’s Bowers, who would fill arguably the team’s most pressing need on offense. Justin Herbert would take full advantage of his dynamic playmaker.”
33rd Team’s Connor Livesay — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
“The 2024 Los Angeles Chargers’ roster will look a lot different than the 2023 Chargers’ roster. With a ton of cap casualties and a new coaching staff, it’s tough to predict which way the Chargers will go with their first-round pick.
One thing is for sure, they need new, young talent. TE Brock Bowers is a versatile offensive weapon who can make an immediate impact for Justin Herbert and Los Angeles’ offense.”
Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
“When you have a quarterback as good as Justin Herbert, he needs guys he can trust to catch the football and no tight end does it better than Brock Bowers.”
