New mock draft shows why Chargers should hope for early QB picks

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

New mock draft shows why Chargers should hope the first four picks are quarterbacks

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/4/24

The Los Angeles Chargers should hope the first four picks of the 2024 NFL Draft are quarterbacks, as it could help them land a highly touted wide receiver.

In his latest mock draft, The Athletic's Bruce Feldman has the Chargers taking Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fifth pick after four quarterbacks fly off the board.

"His body control is special. He catches a lot of contested balls. He made one of the best catches I've ever seen live," one coach said of Harrison, per Feldman. "I don't know how fast he really is. I think he's a 4.5 guy, not a sub-4.4 guy. But he is really, really good. He's wickedly polished. Far and away the best [receiver the Buckeyes have] had there."

Over the past few years, several star WRs, including 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson (New York Jets), have come out of Ohio State. It wouldn't be a surprise if Harrison – the 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner, given to the best WR in college football – also develops into an elite wideout.

MARVIN HARRISON JR ⚡️ TOUCHDOWN! @MarvHarrisonJr pic.twitter.com/ayBhfHIgiV
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 9, 2023

Wide receiver is one of the Chargers' biggest needs. This offseason, L.A. dealt six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears and released former first-round pick Mike Williams. Quentin Johnston – the 21st overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft – only had two touchdown catches in 17 games last season while Josh Palmer missed six games with a knee injury.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert could use a wideout who stretches the field, allowing him to maximize his arm strength. Per Pro Football Focus, Harrison tallied 15 deep catches across 12 games in 2023, tied for third in the FBS.

New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh probably knows how talented Harrison is after facing him during his last two seasons with Michigan. Perhaps that's why he recently hinted he hopes the first four picks in the drafts are QBs.

"There's talk of four quarterbacks going in the first four picks," Harbaugh said last week at the annual league meeting, via the team website. "If that happens, then that pick really becomes like the No. 1 pick in the draft."

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