Tag: Jer’Zhan Newton

The Chargers own the No. 5 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

Now that we know where Los Angeles will be picking, let’s take a look at who draft experts are pairing with L.A. in the first round.

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah — WR Rome Odunze, Washington

Odunze is my favorite player in the draft. He’s a complete receiver. The Chargers have salary-cap decisions to make with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. This would be a home run addition for Justin Herbert.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

“I think Nabers is every bit of an elite WR prospect as Harrison. Seriously. Once he learns the entire route tree, he’ll be a star at the next level. Explosive athlete with plus hands.”

Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings — OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

“You don’t always see the Chargers picking tackles early in 2024 NFL Mock Drafts, but Justin Herbert got injured in 2023, and right tackle Trey Pipkins leaves much to be desired. With Joe Alt‘s rare recovery athleticism, flexibility, length, and leverage acquisition skills, Herbert’s right side would be secure — and the run game would get a boost, too.”

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

“Mike Williams is 29 years old coming off a season in which he was limited to three games. His salary cap hit for the 2024 campaign is north of $32 million. If Los Angeles, which has $-44 million in salary cap space when the new league year rolls over, moves on from him, it would save $20 million. The addition of Bowers, a California native, absorbs some of that loss.”

Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

College Wire staff — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

The Chargers are looking for a new head coach, which could switch up their draft process. However, I still believe they can’t pass on the opportunity to get quarterback Justin Herbert some help out wide. Nabers can be a big-play threat for the Bolts.

The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer — EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama

“The Chargers need to be concerned that Khalil Mack will be 33 in February and Joey Bosa, who’s 28, simply cannot stay healthy to provide the needed impact. Going for Turner as a developing cornerstone makes sense as he has lot of former teammate Will Anderson Jr.’s game in him.”

The Draft Network’s Brentley Weissman — WR Rome Odunze, Washington

“As someone who watches an unhealthy amount of Pac-12 football, I am incredibly high on Rome Odunze. As a matter of fact, Odunze is graded as my third overall player in the class. He has it all: Smooth, sudden, explosive and physical. He would give the Chargers an elite No. 1 option as Keenan Allen ages.”

The Chargers own the No. 5 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

Now that we know where Los Angeles will be picking, let’s take a look at who draft experts are pairing with L.A. in the first round.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

“The Chargers are definitely a team that could look to trade back and stock up on picks to fill roster holes with younger talent. But if they stick at No. 5, they should go with a wide receiver for the second consecutive year (Quentin Johnston in 2023). Nabers is an explosive target who would be an immediate upgrade for the team’s offense. He’s a natural tackle-breaker, finishing sixth in the FBS in forced missed tackles on catches (27). Nabers also led the FBS in receiving yards per game (120.7). He is a big play waiting to happen and the exact type of receiver Los Angeles needs, especially with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams getting older and struggling to stay on the field.”

NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

“With a new regime taking over soon, wide receiver is still in play even after the previous group took Quentin Johnston in the first round of last year’s draft.

Nabers is a different tier of prospect, with explosive acceleration that can beat you before and after the catch. In any normal draft class, he’s the top wide receiver.”

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards — TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

“Los Angeles is entering an offseason of change that began with the firing of head coach Brandon Staley. There will likely be changes to the receiver room and Brock Bowers helps minimize the impact felt in the passing game.”

Sports Illustrated’s Luke Easterling — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

“On paper, the Chargers have one of the more impressive wide receiver groups in the league. But Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both aging players who have struggled with injuries, and also happen to carry two of the biggest cap numbers at their position for next season. Nabers is a big-play machine who would pair well with 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston.”

Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

“The Chargers must get some weapons for Justin Herbert and Malik Nabers is an elite weapon in this draft.”

Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre — OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State

“A strong candidate to trade down and secure more picks, the Chargers offensive line was woeful in 2023, partially because center Corey Linsley’s heart issue will likely push him to retirement. Put Fashanu to RT and make Trey Pipkins your swing tackle.”

USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz — WR Malik Nabers, LSU

“Keenan Allen and Mike Williams could be on shaky ground for a franchise with a rough short-term financial outlook. No matter what the team decides regarding the veteran pass catchers, the receiving corps needs to become more dynamic for the Chargers to properly take advantage of Justin Herbert’s talent. Nabers, who can stress defenses both as a deep threat and in racking up yards after the catch, can certainly help in that department.”