The Los Angeles Chargers are a puzzle; on paper, there is no reason they should be 5-7 and falling out of contention. The only explanation is their confidence was obliterated by the Jaguars twice last year and never recovered. Whatever it is, at 5-7, it's time to turn your focus to the 2024 NFL draft.
The Chargers biggest need at the moment is a new head coach. Sorry, Brandon Staley, but a 24-22 record with only one playoff appearance in which your team had a massive meltdown is not good enough. Sadly, you can draft a new head coach, so let's look at the Chargers' needs and find three players they should look at with the No. 12 overall pick.
University of Miami safety Kamaren Kinchens is the first target that comes to our attention. The Chargers have Derwin James but a gaping hole in the backfield next to him, not to mention he is getting a little long in the tooth.
Kitchens had an impressive 2022 season, leading the nation with six interceptions. He is one of the most complete safeties in the 2024 NFL Draft, and his playmaking ability is a testament to his ability to read the QB's eyes, manage space, and transition while channeling acceleration in zone. At 5'11" and 202 pounds, Kinchens has the size, angle IQ, and closing speed to be a formidable defensive player.
Kinchens is a tremendous upgrade to AJ Finley or Alohi Gilman. He can improve the defense, specifically in high-scoring games late in the 4th quarter, you know, the games the Chargers seem to find themselves in constantly and lose 54 percent of the time.
Jer'Zhan Newton, a defensive tackle from Illinois, is coming off a season in which he accumulated 61 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. His size of 6'2" and 295 pounds allows him to rush inside or use his agility and active hands to maneuver around blockers.
Newton's unique flexibility makes him an extremely challenging opponent for offensive linemen to handle. Putting someone like Newton between Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack is dangerous to opposing QBs and a Patrick Mahomes killer.
He can also disrupt the run game, something the Chargers could use. At 4.3 yards per carry allowed, they are near the bottom of the league. Newton is a dominant DT with a draft profile comparable to Aaron Donald.
Lastly, the Chargers could use a breakout TE. They have Gerald Everett, but he is not the receiving threat Justin Herbert needs. I'm talking about Georgia's Brock Bowers—a tight end built for Tinsel Town.
At 6'4" and 220 pounds, Brock Bowers is a wide receiver with the stature to block. His size means he may not be as elegant as the smaller WRs, yet his swiftness in transition and powerful frame make it possible for him to create space consistently. His grip is like a vice, and he is a real danger when the ball is in his hands, even when running plays are designed for him.
Bowers is the purest TE prospect we may have ever seen. He would have been a first-round pick if he had declared eligible his freshman year. If he makes it to 12, the Chargers could pounce on the Bulldog and open their offense. Bowers+Allen+Williams times Herbert equals another 5000 passing yard season.