Should the Los Angeles Chargers retain their fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft or opt to trade down to fulfill multiple needs? According to ESPN’s Field Yates in his recent two-round mock draft, the Chargers could potentially trade the fifth pick to the Minnesota Vikings to acquire Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham at No. 11 and Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell at No. 23.
Yates suggests that while the Chargers could choose to stay at No. 5 and select the top available wide receiver, trading down allows them to gather more picks while still securing a talented wideout in Mitchell. With excellent size, speed, and reliable hands, Mitchell presents himself as a suitable replacement for the recently departed Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, boasting impressive stats from his previous season at Texas.
The primary area of concern for the Chargers lies in their need for a wide receiver, given recent roster changes. However, trading down could potentially mean passing up opportunities to draft highly regarded prospects like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. or LSU’s Malik Nabers, both of whom offer substantial potential. Nabers and Harrison Jr. boast impressive collegiate stats, hinting at their ability to excel alongside Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Despite ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rating Latham highly as the second-best offensive tackle in the draft class, the Chargers might prioritize addressing their wide receiver needs. Their offensive line, while not top-tier, ranked 16th in the league last season, indicating that it may not be their most pressing concern and could be addressed in later rounds of the draft.
With a disappointing 5-12 record in 2023, the Chargers have much to deliberate as they approach the April 25-27 draft, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions to improve their team’s performance.
