The Los Angeles Chargers went from being in the playoffs in 2022 to one of the league’s worst teams in 2023. That can happen quickly in the NFL and usually calls for drastic changes.
The Chargers drastically changed this offseason, firing Brandon Staley and hiring Jim Harbaugh.
But Harbaugh has been the focal point of the team’s offseason. He was one of the hottest coaching candidates available and he is bringing plenty of hope with him to L.A. But of course, the players on the field must also be difference-makers.
Harbaugh has Justin Herbert at quarterback, but these six new members to the roster will be some of the cornerstones of his time on the sidelines with this team.
6 new Chargers players that fit perfectly in Jim Harbaugh era
Joe Alt, Tackle
We’ll start in the most obvious place. Those who have followed Harbaugh’s career know how much he believes in a strong offensive line, and that is why Joe Alt was the team’s first-round selection and not Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze.
Alt will combine with Rashawn Slater to form one of the more impressive tackle combinations in the league and this team should have a great O-Line.
Gus Edwards, Running back
After building that offensive line, Harbaugh believes in pounding the defense with a rushing attack that is led by a tough, downhill runner. They don’t come more of a downhill runner than Gus Edwards, who should thrive in this offense.
Edwards was more of a role player with the Baltimore Ravens but he should be the lead back in L.A.
Ladd McConkey, Wide receiver
It will be difficult to replace Keenan Allen in this offense but it’s hard not to be impressed by what we have seen so far from Ladd McConkey in OTAs and what he projects to be for this team.
McConkey could break records as a rookie and become one of the more reliable pass-catchers in football.
Junior Colson, Linebacker
Getting Junior Colson in the third round was one of the better value picks in the entire 2024 draft. The Chargers needed an inside linebacker and Harbaugh found the one he coached up at Michigan.
Perfect fit and a guy who could become a defensive star for this team.
J.K. Dobbins, Running back
Though Edwards should get the bulk of the work at running back, at least initially, the Chargers will sprinkle in some J.K. Dobbins. Another former Raven, if he can return to form after dealing with the injury bug the past two seasons, then he is another player who can do big things for his new team.
Former Ravens and new Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins on reuniting with OC Greg Roman
“I’m excited. He does a lot of great things and he’s a great person and we have a great relationship. It’s gonna be a fun year. We’re gonna have a lot of fun” pic.twitter.com/6HTxvgOBDt
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) April 29, 2024
There weren’t many places that would have been a great landing spot for Dobbins this offseason, considering what he has dealt with in his career to this point. But Los Angeles was one of them.
Cam Hart, Cornerback
The Chargers added Kristian Fulton in free agency and two cornerbacks in the fifth round of the draft this offseason — Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart.
There is plenty of room for a cornerback to step up and match the play of Asante Samuel Jr. in this defense and though it might be going out on a bit of a limb, I think it’s Hart.
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