The Compas play a game for this week's NFL Roundtable. Should the Chargers, Rams and Raiders stay put, trade down or trade up during the first round of the 2024 NFL draft?
By the Compas on the Beat staff
The Compas break down what the Chargers, Raiders and Rams should do with their respective first-round picks for the 2024 NFL draft.
The teams hold the fifth, 13th and 19th picks, respectively, in the opening round. What should the L.A. teams and the former L.A. team do come Night 1 of the 2024 NFL draft? Let’s get to the NFL roundtable with the Compas:
Gilberto Manzano
Chargers: Stay put. The Chargers need to stay put in case Marvin Harrison Jr. is available with the fifth pick. If the Arizona Cardinals take the Ohio State stud, they would still do well with Malik Nabers Jr. or Rome Odunze.
Rams: Trade down. The Rams have a hole at defensive tackle after the retirement of Aaron Donald. Taking a defensive tackle at No. 19 seems too high. Also, the Rams don’t have to reach for a cornerback because of the arrivals of Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White.
Raiders: Trade up. The Raiders were wise to sign Gardner Minshew as a bridge quarterback. But now they need a franchise quarterback. They might go all in for Jayden Daniels if he’s available at No. 3.
Fernando Ramirez
Chargers: Trade down. The Baltimore Ravens have a history of jumping around during the draft. New Chargers GM Joe Hortiz came up in Baltimore. Their biggest needs right now are offensive line, defensive line and cornerback. Coming away with three players in the Top 40 would be huge for them.
Rams: Stay put. They need defensive linemen and pass rushers, especially with the loss of Aaron Donald. They need to draft a game changer because they are missing it on the defensive side.
Raiders: Trade up. This is the hardest one to choose. The Raiders need a quarterback in the worst way. Minshewmania and AOC are average with Davante Adams on the roster– average ain’t going to cut it. Go get your quarterback.
Dan in Daygo
Chargers: Trade down. This offense will be all about the hogs. This offensive line is nowhere near where Jim Harbaugh or Greg Roman want it. If you trade down that means more picks and an opportunity to get more hogs.
Rams: Who gives a crap. They won a Super Bowl already.
Raiders: The Raiders need a quarterback. Simple as that, so trade up.
Victor Corona
Chargers: Trade down. The Bolts need more draft picks. They have way too many positions to fill, especially on defense. The Vikings would be the perfect trade partner.
Rams: Stay put. Take the best available player at No. 19. UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, Johnny Newton, Byron Murphy II, and if he’s there, don’t be surprised if they go with tight end Brock Bowers.
Raiders: Trade up—but they won’t. GM Tom Telesco’s draft history suggests he won’t trade up. He will stay out at 13 and draft the best player available. An offensive lineman will likely be the option for the Raiders in the first round.