Los Angeles Chargers 2024 NFL Draft Guide: What you need to know

Attention Chargers supporters! Prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft with exclusive team insights and analysis.

Below, you will find information about Los Angeles’ anticipated draft picks, positional requirements, selection history, GM draft notes and more, all provided by the NFL’s research team.

And don’t forget to tune in on Thursday, April 25th at 8:00 p.m. ET for live coverage of the draft on NFL Network and NFL+.

Los Angeles Chargers Draft Overview

2023 record: 5-12
Fourth in AFC West; missed playoffs

Chargers 2024 draft picks (9):

Round 1, pick 5
Round 2, pick 37
Round 3, pick 69
Round 4, pick 105
Round 4, pick 110 (From CHI; Keenan Allen trade)
Round 5, pick 140 (Compensatory pick)

Round 6, pick 181

Round 7, pick 225

Round 7, pick 253 (Compensatory pick)

Chargers team needs (according to Chad Reuter): Wide Receiver, Cornerback, Interior OL, Offensive Tackle, Running Back

Projected Chargers first-round selection, via NFL.com draft analysts:

(See all projections at Mock Draft Central)

Chargers 2024 Opponents:

Home

Titans, Buccaneers, Saints, Bengals, Ravens, Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos

Away

Patriots, Cardinals, Panthers, Falcons, Browns, Steelers, Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos.

Chargers Notable Activity Tracker (2024 offseason):

Chargers Decision Makers

Dean A. Spanos is the Owner and Chairman of the Board.

Michael A. Spanos: Owner & Vice Chairman

General Manager: Joe Hortiz

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh

Joe Hortiz

Hortiz is beginning his inaugural season as the GM of the Chargers.

– 2019-23: BAL Director of Player Personnel

– 2009-18: BAL Director of College Scouting

– 2001-08: BAL Scout

Tom Telesco, who served as the General Manager (GM) for the Los Angeles Chargers (LAC) from 2013 to 2023, was dismissed from his position in December 2023. He was subsequently hired as the GM for the Raiders in January 2024.

Under Telesco’s management, LAC had a record of 84-95.

(3 playoff appearances, 2 playoff wins)

Under Telesco’s leadership, the Chargers drafted 8 Pro Bowlers.

Wide Receiver Keenan Allen (6x), Defensive End Joey Bosa (4x), Safety Derwin James (3x), Running Back Melvin Gordon (2x), Tackle Rashawn Slater (1), Quarterback Justin Herbert (1), Linebacker Denzel Perryman (1), Cornerback Jason Verrett (1)

In July 2023, Telesco and LAC extended QB Justin Herbert’s contract for 5 years at a total value of $262.5 million, which results in an annual pay of $52.5 million.

– Herbert: 6th overall pick in 2020

His 17,223 passing yards are the highest recorded by a player in their first four seasons in NFL history. He also has 114 passing touchdowns, tying for the second highest in the same period.

This offseason, Hortiz and the Chargers swapped WR Keenan Allen for the Bears and let go of WR Mike Williams, who is now with NYJ.

Since Herbert was drafted in 2020, Allen with 4,125 yards and 25 touchdowns, and Williams with 3,046 yards and 19 touchdowns, are the top two players in receiving yards and touchdowns on the Los Angeles Chargers.

During the span, no other wide receiver from LAC has 2000 or more yards or 10 or more touchdowns.

In 2024 free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers allowed running back Austin Ekeler to leave. Since 2020, he was the 3rd top performer on the team with 2,208 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns.

The Chargers selected TCU WR Quentin Johnston as the 21st overall pick in the 2023 Draft, with Telesco serving as the LAC GM.

In 2023, Johnston had 67 targets, made 38 receptions, accumulated 431 receiving yards, and scored 2 receiving touchdowns.

Over the last five drafts, the Chargers have utilized a top-60 draft pick on every offensive and defensive position except for running back and tight end.

Chargers First Round Picks in Last 10 Drafts

Last time Chargers picked each position in first round:

Compiled by the NFL Research team. All data current as of April 16, 2024.