With the NFL draft looming on their heads, and onus to keep their best players in the squad. It seems that

Jim Harbaugh and the LA Chargers are in a bit of a conundrum right now. That is because one of their key defensive players is an unrestricted free agent. This essentially means that Harbaugh will most probably have to plan for the draft to solve the looming problem. But what is the exact problem? And how Jim Harbaugh can wade through it?

Well,

Khalil Mack, the ace Chargers linebacker hasn’t yet signed a contract extension with the team after three years playing for them. And, if various media reports are to be believed it looks more likely that the player will be looking for other pastures in the 2025 season. Mack’s decision has come after the team’s wildcard round loss against Houston Texans by 32-12. After which he also looked distraught, “I don’t want to go out with a loss based on who I am, I definitely want to make that push and play some important games in the playoffs“. Adding this statement to the fact that his age (37) is close to retirement. It is more than likely that he will push for a move away from the Chargers in search of silverware in his last years. So, what will the Chargers do after his departure?

The first and foremost priority for LA Chargers and Jim Harbaugh would be to tap into the NFL draft names and decide on a replacement. And Shemar Stewart, the Texas A&M player can be the solution for sorting out their DL problem. Furthermore, NFL Draft Analyst and Scout Stephen Muench picked Stewart as his first DL draft pick speaking on the ‘McShay Show‘ on YouTube, “Shamar Stewart from Texas is  6’6” and  290 lbs and has an edge, he’s high cut and he’s gonna be able to get under pads and is he is quick he’s so explosive “. Shamar who had an incredible season in 2024 with 31 tackles and a solid defensive performance overall does merit the praise.

Muench also added, “He’s one of those guys who can just knock an offensive tackle on his ass on his way to the quarterback sets The Edge against the Run I think he’s a defensive man than a four-man like a base four-man front or a four-man heavy front, but he can play anywhere, he’s awesome”. But will the Chargers realistically be able to land Stewart?

The feat is easier said than done. Right now teams like Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars are also in need of bolstering their defensive units. But, still with the Jaguars, their top priority would be the CB position as pointed out by several mock drafts. Moreover, the Seahawks do need a DL right now but they will be most probably looking toward Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer with a PFF grade of 89+. So, if these projections play out, the LA Chargers can ultimately land  Shamar Stewart for themselves. Moving on let’s discuss, in what other areas the Chargers can bolster their roster.

The Chargers’ NFL Draft needs

Chargers undoubtedly find themselves in need of a revamp. As we can see players like J.K Robbins (RB) offloaded by the team due to injury problems. However, the imminent need at the moment for Harbaugh is the WR position. This is because they ranked 19th in passing offense which also didn’t help Justin Herbert who averaged a meager 227 Yards per game. Furthermore, there are also other areas where they need reinforcements. So, let’s delve into that.

Apart from their passing woes, Jim Harbaugh also finds his team in need to bolster his interior offensive line. This is evident from the fact that their right and left tackles performed very well throughout the season, and the majority of the pressures were allowed by their interior line (124 pressures allowed). The current draft puts the Chargers at the 24th pick, and because of that, they will have to plan effectively and strategically. And if Harbaugh can do that, and with Shamar Stewart at the D line, maybe they can make a solid run for the Lombardy trophy after all.