2 Chargers named to preseason 2024 All-Rookie Teams
2 Chargers named to preseason 2024 All-Rookie Teams
The Chargers needed to land several rookies in their 2024 class who could come in and make an impact right away. After losing quite a few household names earlier in the offseason, the roster was left nearly in shambles. With the combined of Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz, the team is certainly looking better, but time will tell just how good of a job they did building for year one of this new regime.
Luckily, there are those outside the building who believe the Chargers likely nailed multiple picks from the draft. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter recently took to creating an Offensive and Defensive/Special Teams All-Rookie team and he’s got one Charger on either team.
First up, he believes the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2024 class will waste little time in making an impact for the Chargers. After all, the team chose to pick Joe Alt over a potentially game-breaking receiver prospect in Malik Nabers.
“First-year Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz decided to bolster the offensive line instead of picking a receiver in April’s first round, so look for the team to run J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal (whom I considered for this list) behind Alt,” says Reuter. “The move from left tackle to the right side should not be an issue for the son of former Pro Bowl lineman John Alt, as Joe Alt’s power, football IQ and agility will allow him to succeed.”
A rookie coming in and immediately unseating a veteran on his second contract with a team is impressive in itself, but Alt is being deemed as one of the most pro-ready prospects to come out at his position to the point that he was likely one of the more boring watches this year.
Well, the Chargers hope he becomes so boringly good they never have to worry about that position for the next 10 years.
After Alt, Reuter loves the pairing of former Michigan linebacker Junior Colson getting the chance to reunite with both Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The situation honestly couldn’t be more ideal for a rookie who is essentially stepping back into his college system with his new professional team.
“It seemed like a given that Jim Harbaugh would draft at least one of his former Michigan standouts this year, so seeing Colson land with the Chargers was no surprise. He should be in the mix from Day 1, filling running lanes and chasing backs to the outside whether it’s a stretch play or a throw to the flat. I expect him to crack the 100-tackle mark this season.”
Here’s how I see it, if Kenneth Murray was able to set the Chargers rookie record for tackles with 108, I believe Colson will have a chance to break it again. Colson should start from day one and be a true three-down player for Minter’s defense. Denzel Perryman will be a great veteran presence for Colson to lean on and his athleticism and range should pair well with the seasoned thumper.