10 players we want the Chargers to take in the 2024 NFL draft for Justin Herbert
Besides Marcus Mariota, who backs up Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert is the only quarterback for Oregon Ducks fans to root for in the NFL.
Sadly, it has been hard to watch the Los Angeles Chargers in recent years. Head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired during the 2023 season, and the Chargers need to make big changes before they can start to contend for the playoffs.
The benefit of another losing season for Los Angeles is quality draft capital. In the 2024 NFL draft, the Chargers have the No. 5 pick and a pick in every subsequent round. This year’s draft will be key to the Chargers’ future, and their selections in the first two rounds will be especially important.
Below is a list of the 10 players I’d like to see the Chargers select to improve Justin Herbert’s chances on offense. Los Angeles has plenty of defensive needs as well, but I’m focused on how the Chargers can give Herbert the best tools to succeed in the next few seasons.
OT Taliese Fuaga - Oregon State Beavers
Draft Stock Projection: Second Round
Justin Herbert needs receiving weapons, but he also needs to be protected. At 6 feet, 6 inches and 334 pounds, Taliese Fuaga is one of the strongest tackles in the 2024 class. In his three-year career at Oregon State, Fuaga never allowed a sack, and he was also a strong run-blocker. It wouldn’t be the most exciting pick, but Fuaga could be what Los Angeles needs, and he could fall to them in the second round.
TE Ja'Tavion Sanders - Texas Longhorns
Draft Stock Projection: Early/Mid Second Round
Ja’Tavion Sanders might not be a name Ducks fans are familiar with, but he was one of college football’s premier tight ends in 2023. Sanders possesses all the athletic traits of an elite tight end and is sure-handed when catching the football. A wide receiver would be an exciting pick for the Chargers, but a tight end could be exactly what they need. Gunslingers such as Herbert usually benefit from a reliable TE to pick up first downs and to jump-start the offense when things aren’t working.
WR Adonai Mitchell - Texas Longhorns
WR Rome Odunze - Washington Huskies
Draft Stock Projection: First Round
If the Chargers draft Rome Odunze, it will certainly be bittersweet for Ducks fans. On one hand, you have a great receiving weapon that Justin Herbert can target for the next few years. On the other hand, we’d have to watch Justin Herbert throw TDs to the WR who derailed the Ducks’ 2023 season. Overall though, I think this pick would be more sweet than bitter, and I think Herbert would connect well with a receiver such as Odunze.
OT Joe Alt - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Draft Stock Projection: First round
Joe Alt is another offensive tackle Justin Herbert and the Chargers could benefit from selecting. Alt excelled in his career at Notre Dame, and pass protection is his strength. Alt could be a reach with the No. 5 pick, so if the Chargers wanted to trade down, he would be a great option in the middle of the first round.
TE Brock Bowers - Georgia Bulldogs
Draft Stock Projection: Top-10 pick
Brock Bowers is one of the best tight ends college football has ever seen. Until his midseason injury, Bowers was in Heisman conversations, an award not won by a tight end since 1949. With the combination of Bowers’ short-yardage capability and his skill in open space, he and Herbert could become the next Kelce and Mahomes, a duo that’s led the Kansas City Chiefs to two Super Bowls.
WR Malik Nabers - LSU Tigers
Draft Stock Projection: Top-10 pick
In a draft class without Marvin Harrison, Malik Nabers would likely be a top-three pick and the first wide receiver taken. Nabers is wicked fast and runs great routes, which could make him a great deep threat for Justin Herbert. Most scouts think Nabers will fare best as a slot receiver in the NFL, which is perfect for the Chargers because they already have a good wideout, Keenan Allen. If had to bet, I’d say Nabers is who the Chargers will draft in the first round.
OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu - Penn State Nittany Lions
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. - Ohio State Buckeyes
WR Troy Franklin - Oregon Ducks
