After a strong 11-6 finish, it’s clear that the Harbaugh era in LA has already begun to build a strong base for the future. Last year, they hit a home run in the first and second rounds with Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey. Here are five players they could add on Thursday night at pick 22 in the draft that would help them become a real contender and get Justin Herbert his first playoff win.
#1. Colston Loveland, TE Michigan
Obviously given the Harbaugh connection to Michigan, this would not be a shocking pick. If Loveland falls to 22 I think they’d have a hard time saying no. He’d be another athletic pass catcher for Justin Herbert, a guy Jim Harbaugh knows and loves, and certainly knows how to coach. Some of Loveland’s weaknesses as a blocker can probably be mitigated by how great the Chargers are at OT, and I think Harbaugh would be thrilled to call Loveland’s name at 22 overall if he’s available. He likely won’t be there at 22, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Chargers trade up to grab him if they have to.
#2. Kenneth Grant, DT Michigan
Yet another Michigan man who would fill a position of need for the Chargers and help anchor Jesse Minters defense. With Poona Ford gone to the Rams, the Chargers need beef up front alongside Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and Grant fits that bill. Grant needs some coaching to succeed at the NFL level, but who better to provide that than his championship-winning coach Jim Harbaugh? Grant is a strong prospect who can help bolster the Chargers’ defensive line for the foreseeable future and would be a great pick at 22 before other DT-needy teams like the Vikings, Lions, or Chiefs get a chance to grab him.
#3. Walter Nolen, DL Ole Miss
If the Chargers have the opposite philosophy at DT and want to pick production over traits, Walter Nolen would be the guy for them. He had 14 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and 3 PBUs last year despite not blowing you away with speed or power on film. He has the size and a ton of playmaking ability, so if they want a plug-and-play starter with a bit less athletic upside, Nolen would be a great anchor for the Chargers defense.
#4. Shemar Stewart, ED Texas A&M
There is very likely to be a run on edge players at the end of the first round with the Ravens, Lions, Commanders, Bills, and Eagles all looking for pass rushers. If the Chargers could get ahead of the shuffle and lock in a talented pass rusher like Stewart, I’m sure they’d be thrilled. Stewart’s athleticism and traits are incredible, and while the production hasn’t been there yet, he has time to learn and develop behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and could develop into a talented pass rusher if he capitalizes on his God-given gifts. If you trust Jesse Minter and the D-Line staff (as well as the experienced veterans in that room) to capitalize on his potential, Shemar Stewart could be a home run for the Bolts.
#5. Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State
Despite being a Buckeye, Egbuka would be an excellent pass catcher for the Chargers to add. Obviously there is a bit of overlap between him and Ladd McConkey, both being slot receivers, but Egbuka is a bit bigger and stronger than Ladd McConkey, and provides a lot of YAC upside (not that Ladd doesn’t). Three receiver sets with Egbuka, McConkey, and Mike Williams who returned to the team in free agency, sound very tempting and could provide a nice balance with the Chargers run heavy philosophy. Ultimately I think Jim Harbaugh would be happy to set college rivalries aside and add a great athletic pass catcher for Justin Herbert.
