Chargers Make 'Statement' Pick in Fresh NFL Mock Draft

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has the Bolts going big in his latest mock draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers hold the number five pick in April's 2024 NFL Draft.

It's a draft class that is loaded with talent in all positions. Luckily, your Bolts don't need a quarterback, so there are no worries there. However, they could use some help in many other position groups. 

In NFL's media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft, he has the Bolts making a 'statement' and going with star offensive tackle from Notre Dame, Joe Alt. 

This feels like a statement pick, seeing how it'll be Jim Harbaugh’s first selection since becoming the Chargers’ head coach. Alt would take over at right tackle in short order. Keep in mind that new GM Joe Hortiz came from Baltimore, where eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden started at guard his rookie year before taking over at tackle.

-Daniel Jeremiah, via NFL.com

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has made a reputation off building in the trenches. Adding Alt would be right up Harbaugh's alley. 

Alt is projected to be the next great tackle in the league, and if he were to land in Los Angeles, he wouldn't be in his primary position. Rashawn Slater, the Pro Bowl tackle, takes care of the left side of the line, so Alt would be on the right side. 

It may not be a sexy pick, but one thing is for sure: Justin Herbert and that backfield would be as clean as a whistle. Protecting the quarterback and keeping him upright is the name of the game. A potential addition of Alt would do just that and more for L.A.'s new-look offense. 

The Chargers allowed a quarterback sack percentage of 6.37%, 13th in the league. The 20-year-old would bring that number down and take Herbert and the offense to stellar heights.