Chargers NFL Draft big board: 100 targets, starting with Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Los Angeles Chargers are finalizing their big board with the 2024 NFL Draft just two days away.

We are doing the same.

This is our final pre-draft version of the big board. We started with potential targets in the first round in March. Earlier this month, we expanded that board to include Day 2. Now, using the expertise from Dane Brugler’s expansive draft guide, “The Beast,” we have our list of 100 prospects coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz could target with their nine picks, stretching through the seventh round.

Those 100 prospects are segmented into various categories. Who is a target if the Chargers stay at No. 5? If they trade down? If they pick up an additional first-round pick? In the second round? Third round? Day 3?

We will be updating this list throughout draft weekend.

If the Chargers stay at No. 5 …

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State St.

Harrison possesses “dominant receiving traits,” according to Brugler — from his route-running to his hands to his size to his athleticism. The Chargers moved on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason. Receiver is perhaps their most pressing need entering this draft. The big question for the Chargers: Will Harrison make it to No. 5?

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Nabers is the type of explosive-play threat the Chargers have been missing for years — a “gliding athlete with the acceleration to separate early or late in the route,” according to Brugler. Nabers is a fit for the same reasons Harrison is a fit, and he is the No. 3 prospect on Brugler’s big board.

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The top three receivers — Harrison, Nabers and Odunze — are all elite prospects and should be in the mix at No. 5 if the Chargers stay there. Odunze has “desirable measurables,” according to Brugler, at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds with 4.45 speed. He thrives in contested catch situations. Maybe my favorite stat from Brugler’s draft guide: 80.4 percent of Odunze’s catches went for a first down or touchdown last season. I moved Odunze from No. 4 to No. 3 for this final board. I see the receivers as the Chargers’ top three options in this draft.

Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

I think the Chargers should be looking to trade down if they are intent on coming away with an offensive lineman from the first round. But if they choose to take a tackle at No. 5, Alt could be the top consideration. He is the No. 5 player in Brugler’s top 300. Alt has rare athleticism for his frame — over 6-foot-8 and 321 pounds. He is not a physically dominant player, and his anchor “tends to be gradual,” as Brugler writes. Still, Alt clearly understands angles and finds ways to be effective as a run blocker and pass protector.

If the Chargers trade down …

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Fautanu is Brugler’s No. 9 prospect. He played predominantly left tackle at Washington. But Fautanu has some game experience at left guard, and Brugler says “he offers legitimate five-position potential at the next level.” Fautanu has the frame and talent to remain at tackle. He is an incredibly smooth athlete at 317 pounds. Brugler writes that Fautanu models his game after Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater.

Taliese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State

Fuaga is one of my favorite players in the draft. Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz want to instill a physical, violent, tough mentality with their team. Fuaga embodies that with his play. “The pop in his hands will send defenders flying in the opposite direction,” writes Brugler. Fuaga could remain at tackle. He could be better suited kicking inside to guard. The Chargers could use competition at both right guard and right tackle. Fuaga is a fit at either spot.

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

I do not think Bowers should be a consideration at No. 5 for the Chargers. If they move down, he should be firmly on the table. The Chargers signed two tight ends in free agency in Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst. I think that only enhances Bowers’ potential fit with the Chargers, as he would be free to play all over the formation. “Bowers is an explosive pass catcher who creates mismatches all over the field with speed, ball skills and competitive edge,” Brugler writes. He would be a weapon for Justin Herbert in the passing game. Bowers also has the speed to be used as a ball carrier on jet sweeps.

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Arnold is Brugler’s top-ranked cornerback. The Chargers are thin at that position, and they need help inside and outside. Arnold can do both. I like his awareness and instincts in coverage. “Opens his hips easily to carry his athleticism in any direction,” writes Brugler.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Mitchell is just behind Arnold in Brugler’s top 300. He has the size-speed combo defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said he is looking for in an outside corner. Mitchell is over 6 feet and ran a 4.33 at the combine. He also had 44 passes defended in his final two college seasons.

Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Along with Fautanu and Fuaga, Fashanu is part of a big group of offensive linemen who could make sense for the Chargers in a trade-down. He started 21 games at left tackle for the Nittany Lions over three seasons. “Fashanu is a work in progress as a run blocker but above average in pass protection, because of his body quickness, anchor versus power and attention to detail,” writes Brugler.

JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Latham is intriguing in part because he played exclusively right tackle in college, starting 27 games there over the past two seasons. He is almost 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds. “Arguably the strongest player in this draft class,” according to Brugler. The Chargers seem set on their left side with Slater at tackle and Zion Johnson at guard. The right side is in more flux. Jamaree Salyer did not transition very smoothly to guard in 2023 after playing left tackle in place of the injured Slater in 2022. Right tackle Trey Pipkins III regressed in 2023 — though he has put starter-level play on tape at times in the past two seasons. Bringing in a player with right-side experience makes sense for the Chargers’ plans.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims is an athletic specimen. He is almost 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds with 36-inch arms, but he ran a 5.07 40 at the combine and, according to MockDraftable, ranked in the 85th percentile in the broad jump. The tape is impressive. The only problem is there just is not much of it. Mims only made eight starts in his Georgia career. All eight came at right tackle. “Though there is projection involved with his draft grade, his best football is ahead of him, and he has the talent to become a long-term starter,” Brugler writes.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Trading down from No. 5 only to take a receiver later in the first would be a bit of a head-scratcher. Nonetheless, Thomas has exceptional long speed and led the FBS in touchdown receptions last season with 17. “If his route efficiency catches up with his natural talent, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL,” Brugler writes. “He projects as a quality NFL starter with the upside of Tee Higgins.”

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Interior defensive line is an underrated need for the Chargers. The possibility of pairing a plus interior rusher with the Chargers’ elite group of edge rushers is alluring. Murphy led all FBS interior linemen in pass rush win rate in 2023, according to Brugler. There will likely be other more important positions to address. But Murphy is an option in this range of the first round.

If the Chargers acquire a late first …

This could happen in a couple of scenarios. If the Chargers trade back with the Minnesota Vikings from No. 5 to No. 11, they could receive No. 23 as part of that package. If the Vikings trade up with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4 instead, Arizona could look to move back to No. 5 from No. 11. The Cardinals’ additional first-round pick, No. 27, could be a part of that package.

Graham Barton, C, Duke

The Chargers signed Bradley Bozeman in free agency and now have an experienced center on the roster. But they should be looking for a long-term answer at that position with Corey Linsley’s expected retirement. And, as previously mentioned, they could also use competition for their starting right guard spot. Barton is Brugler’s top-ranked center and No. 18 prospect, though all 34 of his starts over the past three seasons came at left tackle. “Barton will have adjustments to make as he moves inside,” Brugler writes. “But he has athletic feet and strong hands and works hard to stay attached to blocks through the whistle. He projects as an above-average NFL starter at guard or center.”

Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

With 13 starts at center in 2023, Powers-Johnson enters the draft with more experience at the position than Barton. Powers-Johnson “offers a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and toughness, with the skill set that translates to both center and guard,” according to Brugler.

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

I mocked Wiggins to the Chargers in my mock 2.0. In my scenario, the Chargers traded back with the Vikings and picked up the 11th and 23rd picks. I had the Chargers taking Wiggins at No. 23. Wiggins has a slim frame at 172 pounds, but I think his fluid athleticism will translate to the next level.

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Wiggins is Brugler’s No. 23 prospect. DeJean is No. 24. So very little separating these two. The Chargers could consider either corner in a late-first situation, assuming they do not address the position with their earlier first-round pick. DeJean is a bigger and more physical player. According to Brugler, he could provide flexibility at outside corner, in the slot or even at safety. The Chargers could use talent at all of those spots.

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois

Newton is undersized, particularly in his length, but his college production is unavoidable. He led all FBS interior defensive linemen with 103 combined pressures in 2022 and 2023. He’s an explosive defensive piece the Chargers could consider in the late first round if they find themselves there.

Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

If the Chargers trade down to the 9 to 13 range, odds are they will not be taking a receiver with that initial first-round pick. But that position would be a more realistic option in the case that they pick up an additional first in the 20s. McConkey and Mitchell would be the targets in that range. Both ran sub 4.40 in the pre-draft process. McConkey is a more refined route-runner than Mitchell. Mitchell is bigger and longer and projects better as a perimeter pass-catcher for Justin Herbert.

Round 2

Zach Frazier, OC, West Virginia

Frazier might be off the board by No. 37. The Chargers could also address offensive line — and in particular center — before they get to this pick. If not, Frazier would be a really intriguing selection. Frazier started 38 games at center in his college career. He “will win over NFL teams with his core strength, football IQ, competitive toughness and understanding of leverage,” according to Brugler.

Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan

The Chargers are very familiar with Jenkins, who played under both Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter in Ann Arbor. “He is light on his feet and heavy with his hands with the ‘do my job’ mentality that NFL defensive coordinators appreciate,” writes Brugler.

Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

Safety is another underrated need for the Chargers. They re-signed Alohi Gilman to start next to Derwin James Jr. But the depth is suspect behind those two. The second round might be a bit high for the Chargers to draft a third safety. At the same time, I would not be shocked if they attacked this position at some point on Day 2. Hicks is Brugler’s top-ranked safety. “Hicks is a rangy, intimidating presence, both downhill and on the back end, and he offers the multi-dimensional traits to develop into an NFL starter,” he writes.

Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

There could be six tackles who go in the first round. Suamataia is one of the few tackles to watch for the Chargers in the second round if they take a receiver or another position in the first. “Suamataia is still very young and lacks refinement in several areas, but his blend of size, mobility and core power are the foundation of a scheme-diverse NFL starter,” writes Brugler.

Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

Junior Colson, LB, Michigan

Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

Sainristil is undersized, but he has considerable experience playing the nickel in Minter’s scheme from his time in Ann Arbor. The Chargers have a need at that spot. Sainristil brings “outstanding toughness, instincts and ball skills,” according to Brugler.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

The Chargers have only four rostered linebackers. Two of those are free-agent signings in Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye. Perryman is a projected starter. Dye, Nick Niemann and Daiyan Henley will be battling for the other spot. Cooper took a 30 visit with the Chargers, according to reports. “A fast-flowing linebacker who can run and cover, he has the explosive traits to be a regular on special teams as a rookie and grow into a three-down linebacker role in the NFL,” Brugler writes.

Christian Haynes, OG, Connecticut

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

Round 3

Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

Sanders is Brugler’s second-ranked tight end. Free-agent signees Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst bolstered the room, for sure. But the Chargers might be looking to add a long-term plan at the position, as Hurst is only on a one-year deal. Dissly signed a three-year deal. “Sanders needs to become ‘more available’ in his routes and improve his reliability as a blocker, but he is a smooth operator with dynamic talent before, during and after the catch,” Brugler writes.

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Franklin has the long speed on the outside the Chargers are missing in their receiver room. I like the fit — if the Chargers pass on WR in Round 1 and Franklin is available at 69. “He can be a big-play weapon (before and after the catch), because of his linear twitch and gliding acceleration,” Brugler writes of Franklin.

Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State

Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky

Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

Melton “brings explosive speed and attitude to his coverage,” according to Brugler. He had 30 passes defended in 40 career college starts, eight of which were picks. He can play inside or outside.

Maason Smith, DT, LSU

Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU

Coleman is a quality third-round option. “His ease of movement, spatial awareness and length are the building blocks that offensive line coaches covet,” according to Brugler. He is 6-foot-4, 316 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms. He has college experience at both left tackle and left guard.

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington

Cole Bishop, S, Utah

Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

I mocked Fiske to the Chargers in the third round in my mock 3.0. He “plays with a worker-bee attitude and his motor doesn’t have an off switch,” according to Brugler. I love this fit for the mentality Harbaugh and Hortiz are trying to build.

Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Legette has eye-popping measurables. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and jumped 40 inches in the vertical at 6-foot-1, 221 pounds. But there is some risk involved considering he only had one year of legitimate production in college. Some teams might take a swing earlier in the draft. I would wait until the third round.

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

There might be a run on running backs in the third round. Corum, of course, was a highly productive player under Harbaugh in Ann Arbor. He is Brugler’s second-ranked running back. “He makes quick, urgent decisions with the low center of gravity and burst to bounce runs or maneuver through congestion,” Brugler writes.

Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

Day 3

Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame

The Chargers signed former Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins last week, but I do not think that will affect their approach at running back. Estimé is the type of big, physical, downhill back that would be a logical fit in Greg Roman’s offense. Brugler compared him to former Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson.

Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky

Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State

Wilson has a concerning medical history — right knee and both shoulders — but he is a terrific athlete with elite college production to back it up. N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said Wilson is “one of the most elite competitive spirits I’ve ever coached,” according to Brugler.

Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC

Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State

Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin

Bortolini was one of the standout testers at the combine. He played center, guard and tackle in college. “He offers encouraging upside, thanks to his fluidity, intelligence and technical skill,” writes Brugler. “He projects as an eventual NFL starter with position flexibility across the interior.”

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia

Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn

Hunter Nourzad, C, Penn State

Nourzad made my final mock as the Chargers’ pick at No. 105. With experience at guard and center, he could push for a starting spot at multiple positions as a rookie. He earned an engineering degree from Cornell and a master’s in business administration from Penn State. Nourzad “maximizes what he has with smarts, physicality and well-schooled technique,” according to Brugler.

T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

The Chargers have some flexibility with how their defensive line depth chart is constructed. Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Poona Ford and Scott Matlock all can play from multiple alignments up front. So the Chargers do not have to pigeonhole themselves as far as looking for a pass-rushing interior lineman versus a run-stuffer. Sweat is gargantuan at 6-foot-4, 366 pounds. Writes Brugler: “A rare athlete for his size, with the power and ingredients to be a dominant force against the run.”

Zak Zinter, G, Michigan

Zinter broke his leg in November, but very few will have a better understanding of that injury and Zinter’s rehab than Harbaugh and Chargers executive director of player performance Ben Herbert. Zinter started 42 games for Harbaugh in Ann Arbor. “He is big, smart and physical, which allows him to control defenders, especially in closed quarters,” writes Brugler.

Gabriel Murphy, edge, UCLA

I do not see edge rusher as a viable position to target on Day 1 or 2 for the Chargers, with Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu all returning. But there could be a spot open on the 53-man roster at the fourth edge rusher spot. Chris Rumph II, of course, was a pick by the previous regime. The fourth round is where the Chargers might start considering this position. Murphy was teammates with Laiatu Latu, a projected first-round pick. Murphy still had 61 pressures in 2023, which Brugler notes would have been “No. 1 on 128 other FBS teams.”

Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

Hart is a player who makes a ton of sense in the fourth round. He has outstanding length at 6-foot-3 with 33-inch arms. “Hart’s traits are more intriguing than his tape, but his body length and linear twitch are an attractive combination that helps him match up with both size and speed,” according to Brugler.

Mohamed Kamara, edge, Colorado State

Matt Goncalves, G, Pittsburgh

Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State

Proctor made my mock 4.0 as the Chargers fifth-round pick at No. 140. I love his vision, and I think his instincts will translate. “He sees the field well and offers the range and run-defending skills to work his way up an NFL team’s safety depth chart,” writes Brugler.

Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice

AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

Evan Williams, S, Oregon

Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame

Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan

The Chargers could afford to double up on receiver in this draft with where their depth chart stands. Johnson played 61 games for Harbaugh at Michigan, third-most in school history. He has good size and speed.

Fabien Lovett Sr., DT, Florida State

Lovett was a rotational piece for the Seminoles in 2023, but I like him as a traits option. He is almost 6-foot-4 and 316 pounds with 35 1/4-inch arms. “He is stout at contact with the God-given length and power to continue getting better as a pass rusher,” writes Brugler.

Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State

Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, Toronto Argonauts (CFL)

Stiggers is one of the most fascinating prospects in the draft. He did not play college football and almost left the sport for good before he found a spot in the 7-on-7 semi-pro Fan Controlled Football League. He parlayed his five interceptions in the FCF in 2022 into a spot in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts.

“Though most CFL players are free to sign with NFL teams once they complete their contracts,” writes Brugler, “Stiggers’ case is different because he never played college football. Instead, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.” Stigger has the athleticism and natural ability for the position. Harbaugh’s Chargers coaching staff also has a bunch of ties to the CFL. Senior offensive assistant Marc Trestman was a CFL head coach for seven seasons. Passing game coordinator Marcus Brady both played and coached for the Argonauts.

Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan

Myles Cole, edge, Texas Tech

Michael Barrett, LB, Michigan

Chigozie Anusiem, CB, Colorado State

Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

The fourth round is when I expect the Chargers to draft a running back. As far as targets later on Day 3, Vidal is high on my list. I think his play style is a good fit for Roman’s offense. Vidal ranked No. 2 in FBS with 94 forced missed tackles in 2023. “His contact balance, run power and pass-pro skills will appeal to a team searching for an instinctive between-the-tackles back,” writes Brugler.

Elijah Klein, G, UTEP

Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina

Aaron Casey, LB, Indiana

Tyler Owens, S, Texas Tech

(Top photos of Marvin Harrison Jr., Troy Fautanu and Nate Wiggins:
Joseph Maiorana, Mark J. Rebilas and Ken Ruinard / USA Today)