Joe Hortiz’s first draft with the Chargers has already produced mixed results. While the top two picks seem to be hits thus far, we’ve yet to see any significant production beyond those two.
The regular season is still early, and we will likely see more of those later-round players deeper into the year. Through four games, here are the grades for the rookies from the 2024 draft class.
OT Joe Alt: A-
Some pundits criticized the Chargers for not going after star playmaker with the fifth overall pick. While Malik Nabers has been playing at a high level, Alt has still proved to be a phenomenal pick. Coupled with Rashawn Slater, the Bolts have arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL. The front office has done a tremendous job building this unit through the draft, and Alt seems to be the latest example. Alt is the highest-graded rookie offensive lineman and top 15 among all offensive tackles in the league.
WR Ladd McConkey: B+
The Chargers opted to wait until the second round to select a wideout. So far, McConkey has been quite solid. In an offense that has been the second-worst passing attack in the NFL, the rookie has been a bright spot. Looking ahead, he’s likely still more suited as a No. 2 option in the NFL, but nonetheless, he’s been better than expected.
LB Junior Colson: C-
Colson has played just 42 defensive snaps so far, so this grade feels more incomplete. The team’s depth at linebacker will allow him to learn and grow this season, which should only help him in the long term. In limited reps, he has shown some flashes in the run game.
DL Justin Eboigbe: Incomplete
It’s unfair to give him any sort of grade, as he has yet to appear on the field. He was active in Week 4, so his first career NFL snaps should be coming up.
Tarheeb Still: B-
Still was active for the first time in his career in Week 4 against the Chiefs. The rookie defensive back appeared in 42 (67.7%) defensive snaps in the loss to the division rival. While he provided a spark with a sack, Still allowed five receptions on the day. There’s plenty of room for improvement for him still, but he will have to see the field with the injuries in the cornerback room.
CB Cam Hart: C+
Hart has only played four defensive snaps, but he’s been a valuable member of the special teams. He’s appeared in 64 snaps there, so his grade gets a nice boost for those contributions. Still, we need to see more from him on defense for this grade to move at all.
RB Kimani Vidal: Incomplete
Similar to Eboigbe, Vidal hasn’t appeared in any snaps for the Chargers in 2024.
