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Checking in on the Chargers 2024 Rookie Class: The Best Draft in the NFL?

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Chargers 2024 Rookie Class

This 2024 Los Angeles Chargers draft class has been extremely impressive thus far and has been in the running for the best class in the NFL. Joe Hortiz’s first roundabout as a General Manager has been completely successful, he should be in the running for executive of the year.

That said, let’s check in on the Chargers rookies during the midseason mark.

Read: Initial 2024 Chargers Draft Stat Line Predictions

1 (5): T Joe Alt, Notre Dame: A Future Hall Of Fame Player?

The Chargers drafted Joe Alt on day one of the NFL draft, surprising fans who were hoping they would draft all-star rookie receiver, Malik Nabers. That was never going to be the case, as Alt was their number-one choice since day one.

The Jim Harbaugh philosophy believes in great offensive line play and its direct correlation to great team success. Though the offensive line has not been great, Alt has not been the problem.

The rookie has been a big part of this Chargers 2024 roster, playing at a pro-bowl level. The Chargers genuinely may have selected a future hall-of-fame player at number five overall.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 7 Starts (One game missed due to injury)
  • 73.8 Offensive Grade
  • 73.1 Run Block Grade
  • 72.5 Pass Block Grade
  • 4 Sacks Allowed
  • 10 Pressures Allowed
  • 439 Snaps Played

2 (34): WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia: A Much Needed Breakout Star

With Chargers fans clamoring for a receiver all off-season after the release of veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, Hortiz and Harbaugh responded by trading up to select Ladd McConkey. The receiver from Georgia has become the best receiver on this Chargers offense, earning trust from superstar Quarterback, Justin Herbert.

McConkey recently had a full-on coming-out party against the New Orleans Saints, with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. This performance has been the best of the season, but the consistent good play from McConkey gives Chargers fans much excitement for what he will be able to do during his long career in the Powder Blues.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 76.9 PFF Offensive Grade
  • 440 Receiving Yards
  • 35 Catches
  • 4 Touchdowns
  • 23 First Downs Gained

3 (69): LB Junior Colson, Michigan: Injuries Piled Up Quick

Colson was considered by many as LB1 of the entire 2024 NFL draft class, so grabbing him in the third round was a complete steal for the Chargers. Considering a steal was only half the equation as the familiarity that Colson has with the Chargers defense, as defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was Colson’s coach at Michigan. A recipe for quick success.

Unfortunately, injuries have completely hampered Colson’s rookie season, evening dating back to training camp. He dealt with appendicitis missing much of training camp, then had a hamstring injury in week 2, then once he was eased back into the lineup, he suffered an ankle injury against the Cleveland Browns in Week 9.

Colson was placed on Injured Reserve and is expected to come back much later in the season.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 5 Games Played (115 Defensive Snaps)
  • 7 Tackles (49.8 Tackling Grade)
  • 4 Pressures (45.0 Pass Rush Grade)
  • 3 Stops (56.3 Rush Defense Grade)
  • 1 Pass Breakup (39.0 Coverage Grade)
  • 57 Special Teams Snaps (53.2 PFF Grade)
  • 39.2 Overall Defensive Grade

4 (105): DL Justin Eboigbe, Alabama: Can’t Get on The Field

One of the most interesting selections of the Chargers 2024 Rookie Class was Alabama defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe. He was seen as a reach, but a player who can still contribute on what was thought to be a weak interior defensive line; at least by most of the media.

Fast forward to mid-season, Eboigbe has not seen the field much and has swapped positions back and forth from EDGE and interior defensive line. A weird handling of a player that they were willing to select in the fourth round.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 4 Snaps
  • 59.2 Defensive Grade
  • 59.3 Pass Rush Grade
  • 60.0 Rush Defense Grade

5 (137): CB Tarheeb Still, Maryland: Biggest Surprise of the Chargers 2024 Rookie Class

When Still was first drafted from this 2024 Rookie Class, he was seen as a bit of the odd man out. Chargers fans were happy to see a cornerback selected, but they were confused on why it was Still, over other players still available.

Well, we know why Hortiz drafted Still over the other players available. The rookie from Maryland has been extremely impressive thus far in his rookie season, even dating back to training camp. He is impressive at multiple positions, covering elite talent, and producing at a high level.

Still is in the running for the biggest steal of the 2024 NFL draft, and definitely the biggest steal of the Chargers 2024 rookie class.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 17 Tackles
  • 2 Pass Breakups
  • 5 Stops
  • 1 Sack
  • 163 Outside Corner Snaps / 96 Slot Snaps
  • 73.9 Defensive Grade
  • 74.5 Coverage Grade (16/112 of all cornerbacks with at least 20% of team snaps played)

5 (140): CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame: Noted as a Steal, Was Exactly That

Upon Hart’s drafting in 2024, the fanbase was extremely excited to see what he could do in Powder Blue. The hype for Hart was very real, as he was looked at as a day-two pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Chargers picked him up in the fifth with the hopes of him providing depth. He has done that and more. With injuries piling up very quickly in the Chargers secondary, it was not long before Hart (and Still) found the field. Both of the fifth-round rookies have been starting, and have been incredible.

Hart has been the main outside corner showing his ability to stop the run and lay the boom while covering talented NFL receivers.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 15 Tackles
  • 1 Sack
  • 3 Stops
  • 84.2 Run Defense Grade (9/115 of all cornerbacks with at least 20% of team snaps played)
  • 75.7 Tackling Grade
  • 52.8 Coverage Grade

6 (181): RB Kimani Vidal, Troy: Deserving of More Playing Time

Vidal had a very strong fanbase following him wherever he went in the NFL. Once he was selected by the Chargers in 2024, the fantasy community thought very highly of Vidal.

While that has not happened, Vidal has been impressive in his limited snaps on offense. Vidal still has yet to fully take the reigns of the RB2 spot even with Gus Edwards placed on injured reserve, but still has been a contributor to this Chargers offense.

With more touches, Vidal could very well become a key contributor this year and beyond.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 61.3 Offensive Grade
  • 21 Snaps
  • 44 Rushing Yards (2.4 YPC)
  • 3 Catches for 49 Yards
  • 1 Receiving Touchdown

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7 (225): WR Brenden Rice, USC: The Preseason Chargers 2024 Rookie of the Year

When Hortiz decided to draft the son of NFL legend, Jerry Rice, Chargers fans went ballistic. Brenden Rice was thought to go on day two of the NFL draft, so the value was there as well. Rice brought a great size-speed combination to a weak wide receiver room, and fans were thought to see him often during 2024.

Unfortunately, Rice has barely seen the field, and when was on the field, his only notable moment was getting a penalty called on him. Shortly after, Rice got injured and was placed on injured reserve. He is expected to return later this season, but who knows if he will be active on game days contributing.

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Mid-Season Stats:

  • 3 Offensive Snaps
  • 56.2 Offensive Grade
  • 57.4 Receiving Grade
  • 10 Special Teams Snaps
  • 60.2 Special Teams Grade

7 (253): WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan: Not On the Chargers 2024 Roster… At All

There is not much to say about Cornelius Johnson, as he did not make the final 53-man roster of the practice squad. There was some buzz before the off-season, arguing he would be better than his draftee, Rice. That was not true. 

Johnson is now on the Green Bay Packers practice squad, a team known for developing receivers. Hopefully, he can find success in Wisconsin.

Mid-Season Stats:

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A Mid-Season Conclusion

The Chargers 2024 Rookie Class has been incredibly impressive, streamlining this Chargers turnaround. Going from the depths of Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco to 5-3 at the mid-way mark is absolutely incredible.

Hortiz and the Chargers 2024 Rookie Class deserve a lot of credit for this remarkable turnaround.

Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports

The post Checking in on the Chargers 2024 Rookie Class: The Best Draft in the NFL? appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.