Daniel Popper's Latest NFL Mock Draft Has Chargers Selecting Jim Harbaugh's Defensive Product

Ricardo Sandoval | Apr 11, 2024

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Mike Sainristil (0) looks on / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers have many options for their fifth pick in the NFL draft. Many believe the draft will start with their selection, whether they use it or trade it back. 

The number five pick is the most anticipated pick of the draft; however, for the Botls, all their picks matter, and that's how they should look at it. 

The draft is only 14 days away, and because of that, a Chargers insider for The Athletic cooked up his own mock draft for the Charger picks. The Bolts hold nine picks in the draft, and while all eyes are on the fifth pick, we will focus on the Chargers' second pick, the 37th overall pick in the second round. Popper believes the Chargers will select one of Jim Harbaugh's former players, Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. 

Here's what Popper had to say about why LA will select Sainristil. 

"It would not be a 2024 Chargers mock without at least one Michigan prospect. Sainristil had an exceptional senior season playing for Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter in Ann Arbor. There is no projection in terms of fit within Harbaugh's culture or within Minter's scheme — though Sainristil lacks NFL size at 5-foot-9, 182 pounds. The Chargers do not have a clear plan as far as who will play in the slot this season. Derwin James Jr. can play there. Ja'Sir Taylor also has experience at nickel. Sainristil would have a clear path to starter playing time and would also build out depth at a position of need."

Like Popper said, it wouldn't be a Charger draft without Harbaugh selecting one of his former players. Sainristil could be a day-one starter for the Chargers, who desperately need a slot corner. Sainristil will immediately fit that bill. 

Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter know all about Sainristil's game. Sainristil knows Minter's system, and he would fit seamlessly into his role and the defense. His 2023 season was the best of his college career. The 23-year-old was named First-Team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten in 2023. 

According to Bleacher Report, he has a grade of 6.9, an overall rank of 95, a position rank of CB12, and is projected to be selected in the fourth round. A second-round selection seems like a stretch, according to Bleacher Report. Nonetheless, he is a Harbaugh and Minter product.

We'll see if the Bolts front office pulls the trigger on the cornerback.