'24 Preview: Los Angeles Chargers
All Access Football previews the 2024 Los Angeles Chargers. All Access. All Football. All The Time.
Volume XXIV Edition XXXVIII | 2024 Preview: Los Angeles Chargers
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AFC WEST || 2023 Record: 5-12 || AAF Preseason Power Ranking: 13
Team Brass
Owner: Dean Spanos || General Manager: Joe Hortiz || Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh || Offensive Coordinator: Greg Roman || Defensive Coordinator: Jesse Minter || Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
2024 NFLPA Report Card || Overall Ranking (30 of 32)
Offense Rankings
Total Offense: 329.4 (18th) || Passing: 232.8 (13th) || Rushing: 96.6 (25th) || Points: 20.4 (21st) || Sacked: 43 (20th) || 3rd Down: 38.4% (16th)
Defense Rankings
Total Defense: 362.9 (28th) || Passing: 249.8 (30th) || Rushing: 113.2 (T-17th) || Points Allowed: 23.4 (24th) || Sacks: 48 (T-7th) || Turnover Differential: 0 (T-16th)
Top 10 Franchise Players
LB Khalil Mack (photo credit: Los Angeles Chargers)
DE Joey Bosa
S Derwin James
QB Justin Herbert
OT Joe Alt
OT Rashawn Slater
OG Zion Johnson
CB Asante Samuel Jr.
WR Ladd McConkey
S Alohi Gilman
Key Additions
RB Gus Edwards (Ravens) || RB J.K. Dobbins (Ravens) || WR DJ Chark (Panthers) || TE Will Dissly (Seahawks) || TE Hayden Hurst (Panthers) || C Bradley Bozeman (Panthers) || LB Bud Dupree (Falcons) || LB Denzel Perryman (Texans) || CB Kristian Fulton (Titans)
Key Losses
RB Austin Ekeler (Commanders) || WR Keenan Allen (Bears) || WR Mike Williams (Jets) || TE Gerald Everett (Bears) || C Corey Linsley || C Will Clapp (Bills) || DT Austin Johnson (Bills) || DT Nick Williams || LB Eric Kendricks (Cowboys) || LB Kenneth Murray Jr (Titans) || CB Michael Davis (Commanders)
Breakout Players
WR Quentin Johnson - Lost in the hoopla of the offseason makeover which saw starting wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams exiled was the steadfast performance of the first-year target Johnson. Look for him to double his numbers from a year ago that read 38 catches, for 431 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
LB Daiyan Henley - The time has come for Henley to rise to the occasion. The new Los Angeles regime will want to see if his speed, range and reactions are able fill the void created by the release of Eric Kendricks. Can he rise to the occasion?
CB Ja’Sir Taylor - The feisty Taylor made great strides during his second season in powder blue. Not only is he a physical defender in pass coverage but Taylor is also a willing contributor against the run and isn't afraid to get his nose in the dirt.
2024 NFL Draft Class
Few teams did a more exceptional job than the Chargers of identifying fits for their scheme. The first three picks; offensive tackle Joe Alt, wideout Ladd McConkey and linebacker Junior Colson seem to be solid hits. Compact runner Kimani Vidal could be more productive than Austin Ekeler was a year ago, while receivers Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson have a chance to contribute right away. Initial Overall Rookie Assessment: High Level Impact
Rd.1 No.5 - OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame (photo credit: Los Angeles Chargers)
Rd.2 No.34 - WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
Rd.3 No.69 - LB Junior Colson, Michigan
Rd.4 No.105 - DT Justin Eboigbe, Alabama
Rd.5 No.137 - CB Tarheeb Still, Maryland
Rd.5 No.140 - CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Rd.6 No.181 - RB Kimani Vidal, Troy
Rd.7 No.225 - WR Brenden Rice, USC
Rd.7 No.253 - WR Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
UDFA Watch
TE Zach Heins, South Dakota State
OG Karsen Barnhart, Michigan
S Akeem Dent, Florida State
Top 10 Players Under 25
OT Joe Alt (21)
OG Zion Johnson (24)
CB Asante Samuel Jr. (24)
WR Ladd McConkey (22)
LB Junior Colson (21)
WR Joshua Palmer (24)
WR Quentin Johnston (22)
CB Cam Hart (23)
WR Cornelius Johnson (23)
WR Brenden Rice (22)
Prediction
Vegas O/U Win Total: 8.5 - Bolts finally break on through to the there side, 10-7.