Los Angeles Chargers 1st Round Mock Draft: Marvin Harrison Jr Lands With Harbaugh in Wild Twist

With the 5th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers hold a valuable asset under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. This Los Angeles Chargers 1st round mock draft focuses on addressing team needs and grabbing the best player available. While the team boasts a young star in Justin Herbert at quarterback, significant holes remain on the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. 

Los Angeles Chargers 1st Round Mock Draft

In this Chargers Mock Draft we’ll explore the potential first-round selection, along with the possibility of trading down for additional draft capital.

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Selection at Pick 5: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

This pick is a classic case of “best player available” meeting a major team need. The departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams leave the Chargers’ receiving corps bare. Enter Marvin Harrison Jr., a consensus top-5 player in the draft. Son of NFL legend Marvin Harrison Sr., the younger Harrison possesses a near-identical skillset. He has elite route-running ability, creates separation with sharp cuts and explosive speed, and boasts impressive hands with a knack for contested catches.

Pairing Harrison Jr. with Herbert would instantly create a dynamic duo. Harrison’s ability to win contested catches in the red zone complements Herbert’s strong arm perfectly. He can also stretch the field vertically, taking pressure off the run game and allowing Herbert to utilize his full skillset. This pick addresses a glaring need and injects serious talent into the Chargers’ offense.

Los Angeles Chargers 1st Round Mock Draft
Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) toward the end zone during the second half of Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game against the University of Michigan.

Other Considerations

While WR is the biggest need, the Chargers have options with the 5th pick. Here are some other players they might consider:

  • Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: The offensive line has been a concern for the Chargers, and Alt is a top-tier tackle prospect. He’s a powerful run blocker with good footwork and pass protection skills. However, with Herbert on his rookie dea and Rashawn Slater still at LT, taking a receiver might be the more pressing need.
  • JC Latham, OT, Alabama: Similar to Alt, Latham is another highly-touted tackle. He’s athletic and mobile, a good fit for Harbaugh’s offensive scheme.The presence of Rashawn Slater at left tackle might make them prioritize a RT like Latham. Yet picking him at 5 would be a reach by most standards. I could see him being the selection in a trade-back.
  • Byron Murphy, DT: The defensive line could use an upgrade, and Murphy is a disruptive force. He’s strong at the point of attack and excels at generating pressure. However, the depth in the defensive line class this year might allow them to address that need later in the draft.
  • Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama: An elite pass rusher is always a valuable commodity, and Turner could be a game-changer. He’s explosive off the edge with a knack for getting to the quarterback. However, the Chargers have Joey Bosa on a long-term deal, so edge rusher might not be a top priority this year.
  • Trading Down

    The 2024 draft is loaded with talent, particularly at the wide receiver position. With several teams potentially needing receivers in the top 10, the Chargers have an opportunity to trade down and acquire additional draft picks. Here’s why they might consider it:

  • Accumulate more draft capital: By trading down, the Chargers could acquire more picks in the later rounds, allowing them to address multiple needs across the roster. This approach can be particularly beneficial for a team under a new head coach who wants to build the team in his image.
  • Target another specific player: If a specific WR they covet (like Malik Nabers from LSU or Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU) falls slightly in the draft order, the Chargers could trade down a few spots and still land their target while acquiring another pick. They could also be interested in trading back and grabbing an offensive lineman.
  • However, trading down also comes with risks:

  • Missing out on top talent: If a player they consider a “blue-chip” talent falls to them at 5, passing on him to acquire picks later becomes a tougher decision.
  • Uncertainty of the board: The draft is a fluid event, and teams’ needs change on the fly. Trading partners might not be readily available, leaving the Chargers stuck at a lower pick.
  • The Verdict

    Given the talent available at WR and the immediate need at the position, selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. at 5 is a strong possibility for the Chargers. He fills a major void and has the potential to be a star alongside Justin Herbert. However, the presence of a deep WR class and the potential to trade down for additional picks keeps the door open for other possibilities. Ultimately, the Chargers’ decision will likely depend on the pre-draft negotiations and how the draft board unfolds on the big night.

    For a limited time get $40 off our official NFL Draft bets! This includes looks on the 8th and 9th overall picks plus a sneaky position for the Cowboys! Use Code: “VR” to get $40 off.

    written by

    Connor Allen has analyzed sports betting, fantasy football, and the NFL since 2010. He was published in Warren Sharp's annual book and used to work at NBC's Rotoworld. Most recently he launched the betting subscription at 4for4.com where he handicaps NFL Player Props. He currently resides in Chicago after graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University. Prior to being full time in the sports media industry, Connor owned a catering and food company.

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