Chargers' Draft Classes Ranked: A Shift Under New GM

0:00It's March 27th. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where the league meets AI, I'm Cory, with the story. The Los Angeles Chargers draft classes from 2016 to 2025 have been ranked from worst to best, showing a clear shift under new. General manager Joe Hortes, his approach differs from past leaders, with recent picks topping the list. The standout is the 2024 class, already delivering five potential starters including Pro Bowl Tackle Joe Alt, and receiver, Lad McConkey. Earlier this week, analysts highlighted how the 2023 draft landed four early starters, like Ed rusher Tully Tui Palotu, and Returner, Darius Davis. The 2021 group also impressed with left tackle reshance later as a cornerstone, alongside cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. Meanwhile, the 2025 rookies made quick impacts with five contributors right away. Fans still cherish memories from older classes, like safety, Durwin James Jr. from 2018.

1:02The sole extension signer there. Quarterback Justin Herbert, from 2020, anchors the team despite that class ranking, mid-pack. Earlier drafts, though, struggled more, with fewer long-term pieces sticking around. The weakest showings came from 2019 and 2022, where only depth players like Trey Pipkins and Dean Leonard earned extensions. Many top pick spells short, leading to underwhelming returns overall. As the 2026 draft nears, these recent successes signal a brighter path forward for the charges roster.