The Chargers are currently projected to hold the No. 12 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft with five weeks left in the season.
Sitting at 5-7, there is still a shot that Los Angeles could get back into the playoff picture, but most of the attention has been shifted to the upcoming offseason and what the team could do to bolster their 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 14.
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema — DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
“A defensive tackle doesn’t exactly move the needle for a team that was supposed to be in a competing window and is disappointing in basically every way, but it would be a welcomed pick for what the Chargers’ defense needs. Newton has the total talent package to be a three-down defensive lineman who can affect the run game and a pass-rusher with an explosive first step and violent, fast hands.”
Pro Football Network’s A.J. Schulte — CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
“Pick a spot on the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, and you could argue they need an upgrade. But after the failed J.C. Jackson acquisition, something needs to shift in the cornerback room. Asante Samuel Jr. is inconsistent at best, and the team doesn’t have a No. 1 corner.
Nate Wiggins is an excellent blend of length and quickness who could be an instant boost to that secondary.”
Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy — CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
“McKinstry is a confident, physical cornerback who has the potential to be a shutdown coverage player.”
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson — EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
“The Chargers hate to pass on Brock Bowers here but they absolutely have to improve the defense. Yes, Tuli Tuipulotu has had a great rookie season, but Joey Bosa is out with a foot injury and Khalil Mack, whose contract expires in 2025, will be 35 next year.”
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso — DT Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
“The most sought after interior rusher goes to the team with the biggest need on the inside of its defensive front.”
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz — CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
“No matter how much Brandon Staley protests, the Bolts’ last-ranked pass defense is in an obvious state of disrepair. At 6-2 with the speed to stick to receivers downfield, Wiggins could be a valuable piece in coverage, though he’ll need to fill out his wiry frame to match up with more physical pass catchers.”
San Diego Tribune’s Eddie Brown — CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
“The Chargers traded cornerback JC Jackson (and his massive contract) back to the Patriots earlier this year and have one of the worst pass defenses in the league. McKinstry was first-team All-SEC as a true sophomore. He features prototypical size (6-1, 194) with speed and brings physicality in coverage and against the run. He’s also proven to be a dynamic punt-returner.”
The Messenger’s Mike Renner — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
“I can’t think of a more perfect weapon to add to this Chargers offense than Bowers. Not only is he uber-reliable with a 4.4% career drop rate and 60.5% career contested catch rate per PFF, but he’s also more dynamic than either of the Chargers top-2 wide outs at this point. Bowers broke 44 tackles on 177 catches in his collegiate career.”