Chargers News: Analysts Reveal Who LA Should Take With #5 Pick
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The Los Angeles Chargers have some major buzz surrounding them right now after their hiring of new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh brings new life to the table, and the Bolts are expected to take that next step toward Super Bowl contention.
But they have to start somewhere, and with the NFL Draft upcoming, there is no better place. Los Angeles holds the fifth overall pick in the draft, so they will be getting a true impact type of player.
The team could use multiple positions across the board, but there has been speculation that they will look to take someone on the offensive side of the ball. The Chargers' offense was inconsistent last season, and the team wants to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Here are a few potential picks from mock drafts that the Chargers could consider.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com – WR Rome Odunze, Washington
"Odunze is my favorite player in the draft. He's a complete receiver... This would be a home run addition for Justin Herbert."
Odunze could give the Bolts another solid offensive weapon to work with. He was the main target for the powerful Washington offensive attack this season, and the Chargers need another top-tier wideout.
This past season he caught 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns. He would be a game-changer for Los Angeles if taken.
Wil Helms, Pro Football Network – WR Marvin Harrison, Jr., Ohio State
"I don't think Jim Harbaugh would hesitate to pick the former Ohio State Buckeye if he fell to Los Angeles here. With elite body control and above-average hands and route running, Marvin Harrison Jr. has the potential to be a more athletic Keenan Allen for the Chargers as they search for their next star receiver."
Marin Harrison Jr. used to give Harbaugh nightmares when having to worry about facing him, but could he end up playing for Harbaugh this season? Wil Helms of Pro Football Network believes so, and Harrison Jr. would give the Bolts a great compliment to Keenan Allen.
He won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award after posting 67 catches for 1211 yards and 14 touchdowns. Harrison Jr. could be the next big-time wide receiver for the Bolts if selected.
Diante Lee, The Athletic – OT JC Latham, Alabama
"Latham is the best RT in this class and fits the profile around which Harbaugh built his offense in San Francisco. He is clean in his pass sets, and he has the speed and dexterity to execute either as a puller or in an outside-zone scheme."
Finally, Diante Lee of The Athletic has the Chargers upgrading the offensive line to prospect quarterback Justin Herbert. This wouldn't be the worst pick by the Bolts, and could even be the smartest of them all.
The wide receiver class is loaded this year, so taking a tackle here could be the route that the Chargers explore. Even if they trade down, they could pull in o-line help along with a good wide receiver.
