The Chargers are currently projected to hold the No. 6 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft with one week left in the regular season.
Sitting at 5-11, all 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 18.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso — DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
“Newton is a disruptive force at defensive tackle, clearly the best penetrator at the position in the class.”
Bleacher Nation’s Matt Rooney — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
“There are a lot of different directions the Chargers could go at six, they have a lot of needs to fill and likely will have a lot more by draft time since they’ll have to shed a bunch of salary in the offseason. They need a sure-fire win with this pick. Brock Bowers is as close to that as anyone in this draft. He can be Justin Herbert’s top target, a reliable tight end can be a quarterback’s best friend. Bowers is a hugely helpful pick for Herbert and an offense that will have some new leadership.”
With The First Pick’s Chris McGlynn — OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
“The board falls nicely for the Chargers here, giving them their pick of the top offensive tackle prospects. Justin Herbert dealt with injuries all season long. Los Angeles needs to invest in protecting him. This comes down to preference, but given that the Chargers are already set at left tackle with Rashawn Slater, I think Alt would be the better fit at right tackle. He has a massive frame, excels at run blocking and has elite length to stymie pass rushers. Whoever is running this front office should make beefing up the offensive line a priority.”
Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling — WR Malik Nabers, LSU
“This defense needs plenty of help, but it might be difficult for the Chargers to pass on the elite pass-catching talent still on the board here. Quentin Johnston has shown flashes as a rookie, but Justin Herbert needs more with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both aging and carrying massive cap numbers. Nabers is smooth and explosive, with big-play ability after the catch.”
33rd Team’s Connor Livesay — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers are a bad football team. Needing help on offense and defense, the Chargers must do the right thing and take the best player available when they get on the clock. While tight end is one of the least valuable positions in the NFL, Brock Bowers’ impact on offense will be felt in more ways than one.
Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey — OT JC Latham, Alabama
Tankathon — OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
