The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2024 draft class and one practice squad steal have shown significant progression as they enter their sophomore seasons. With a mix of high-profile starters, rotational contributors, and depth players, this group reflects both successes and challenges, shown in their overalls and their on-field statistical production. This article will evaluate the development of each player, analyzing their contributions on and off the field while considering their collegiate reputations and initial potential compared to where they are now.
Joe Alt – RT (1st Round, 5th Pick)
Coming out of Notre Dame as one of the premier offensive linemen in the 2024 draft, Joe Alt entered PML with lofty expectations. His rookie season was a testament to his readiness, as he started all 17 games, helping the Chargers achieve 2,197 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns while allowing only three sacks across 898 snaps. Alt’s 79 overall rating heading into his rookie year proved to be a modest assessment as he was named to the Pro Bowl.
In his sophomore campaign, Alt continued as a cornerstone of the offensive line opposite fellow perennial pro bowler Rashawn Slater, maintaining his Pro Bowl status and anchoring a unit that produced very similar rushing totals (2,198 yards and 24 touchdowns). However, his seven sacks allowed this year reflect a slight regression in pass protection over 816 snaps. The Chargers as a whole only took about half of the sacks they did last year yet Alt’s personal number more than doubled. Despite this, Alt’s current overall rating of 86 showcases steady improvement in his skill set and value to the team. As a two-time Pro Bowler in as many seasons, Alt has firmly established himself as one of the league’s elite young tackles, ensuring the Chargers have a long-term answer on the right side of the line to pair with Slater who’s now signed through the cycle.
Ladd McConkey – WR (2nd Round, 2nd Pick)
A standout at Georgia known for his speed and versatility, Ladd McConkey burst onto the scene as a rookie, posting 80 receptions for 1,304 yards and 10 touchdowns. His efficiency was remarkable, with just two drops across 892 snaps, demonstrating reliable hands and a knack for creating big plays. In 2024, McConkey thrived in a pass-heavy offense, earning a 74 overall rating as a high-upside prospect.
In his second year, McConkey faced a significant shift in the Chargers’ offensive philosophy, with the team emphasizing tight-end production and a more balanced run-pass attack. Despite fewer opportunities, McConkey remained productive, recording 67 catches for 1,069 yards and matching his touchdown total (10) from his rookie year. His three drops and slightly reduced snap count (734) suggest minor setbacks in his progression and role, but his current 84 overall rating shows his ability to make it work and produce regardless. McConkey’s ability to thrive amid changing circumstances cements his status as a rising star in the Chargers’ offense.
Junior Colson – MLB (3rd Round, 5th Pick)
The Michigan product entered the league as a promising middle linebacker with excellent instincts and versatility, starting his career with a 72 overall rating. Colson exceeded all expectations in his rookie season, dominating with 130 tackles (60 solo), 17 tackles for loss, four sacks, nine interceptions, and 10 pass deflections. His stellar performance earned him the Defensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Best Linebacker awards with him having one of the best seasons for a linebacker ever, not just for a rookie.
Colson’s sophomore season saw him retain his role as the Chargers’ defensive leader, compiling 123 tackles (44 solo), 20 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. While his interceptions dropped from nine to three, he forced three fumbles and maintained consistent production across 952 snaps. Although he missed out on individual accolades this season, finishing fifth in Best Linebacker voting and narrowly missing out on the Pro Bowl, Colson’s jump to a 91 overall rating highlights his continued growth as he could become an X-Factor. Despite a slight dip in recognition, Colson remains the heart of the Chargers’ defense and is essential to their success.
Justin Eboigbe – DL (4th Round, 5th Pick)
Hailing from Alabama, Justin Eboigbe arrived as a developmental defensive lineman with a 69 overall rating. Limited to 58 snaps as a rookie, Eboigbe contributed minimally, logging two tackles in a rotational role. His sophomore season offered a similar story, with injuries sidelining him for multiple games over the course of the year. He managed just 70 snaps and two tackles, failing to make a significant impact.
Despite his lack of statistical production, Eboigbe’s incremental progression to a 74 overall rating shows the Chargers’ belief in his potential and commitment to his development. While injuries and other players like Kenneth Grant and Bear Alexander claiming playing time have hindered his growth, Eboigbe’s collegiate pedigree and flashes of promise keep him in consideration as a rotational piece moving forward. For now, his role remains limited, but the Chargers may still see untapped potential in the young lineman.
Tarheeb Still – CB (5th Round, 2nd Pick)
As a rookie, Tarheeb Still outperformed his draft position, starting all 17 games and compiling 73 tackles, seven interceptions, and a forced fumble across 984 snaps. The Maryland alum’s ball-hawking ability and instincts elevated him to a 78 overall rating in his sophomore year. However, the emergence of Andrew Booth Jr. relegated Still to a rotational role in 2025.
This change significantly impacted his production, with Still recording only 23 tackles and three interceptions in 307 snaps. While he remains a valuable contributor, his reduced snap count highlights his shift from a starter to a situational player. Despite these changes, Still’s steady overall improvement reflects his adaptability and potential to contribute in specialized roles on the outside or in the slot.
Cam Hart – CB (5th Round, 5th Pick)
Notre Dame’s Cam Hart entered the league as a long, athletic cornerback with upside, reflected in his initial 69 overall rating. He impressed as a rookie, amassing 59 tackles, six interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns across 927 snaps. Hart continued as a full-time starter in 2025, producing 84 tackles, two interceptions, and three turnovers across 911 snaps.
While his sophomore season lacked the highlight-reel moments of his rookie campaign, Hart’s growth into a dependable starter and more aggressive tackler is evident in his 82 overall rating and a major bump in tackles. His ability to maintain consistent production and defensive reliability solidifies his role as a foundational piece of the Chargers’ secondary as the receivers around the league only get better.
Kimani Vidal – HB (6th Round, 5th Pick)
Kimani Vidal, a former Troy standout, entered the league as a late-round sleeper with a 66 overall rating. His rookie season showcased his power and vision, as he tallied 525 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 97 carries. However, Vidal’s role diminished in 2025, with rookie running backs LeVeon Moss and Damien Martinez taking over the workload. Vidal logged just 18 carries for 109 yards and two touchdowns in limited action.
Despite falling out of favor, Vidal’s progression to a 68 overall rating reflects modest growth. While his future with the team remains uncertain, his early flashes suggest he could still find a niche role if given the opportunity in Los Angeles or somewhere else. He was featured in each of the first four games before Martinez returned from a pre-season injury, so it’s possible the Chargers are saving him for a rainy day.
Brenden Rice – WR (7th Round, 5th Pick)
Brenden Rice, the son of possibly the greatest wide receiver of all time in legend Jerry Rice, entered the league with a 68 overall rating and limited expectations. As a rookie, he contributed modestly with 19 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns. In 2025, Rice took a significant leap, posting 35 catches for 655 yards and nine touchdowns despite missing four games due to injury.
His jump to a 75 overall rating emphasizes his development as a reliable third receiver. With more opportunities and consistent health, Rice could continue to climb the Chargers’ depth chart and emerge as a key playmaker. His stats are remarkable considering there were 3 Chargers to get 1000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, he was still able to get north of 500 yards and a stunning 9 touchdowns.
Cornelius Johnson – WR (7th Round, 33rd Pick)
Cornelius Johnson, a compensatory pick from Michigan, spent his rookie season on the practice squad. In 2025, he stepped into the WR4 role, catching 15 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns in an offense that heavily utilized tight ends.
While his production was limited, Johnson’s progression to a 71 overall rating reflects his readiness to contribute when called upon. With continued development, he could carve out a larger role in the coming seasons. He missed one game with a broken finger, but came right back and caught a ball for 43 yards showing his toughness.
Jowonn Briggs – DT (Signed from Browns Practice Squad)
Jowonn Briggs joined the Chargers midseason in 2024 and made an immediate impact with 11 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks in a weak and aging DL room. However, the emergence of rookie defensive tackles Bear Alexander and Kenneth Grant in 2025 relegated Briggs to a reduced role, logging just 119 snaps and nine tackles with only 2 tackles for loss.
Despite his diminished production, Briggs’ overall rating improvement to 75 proves his ability to contribute in a rotational capacity. While his ceiling may be limited, Briggs provides valuable depth on the defensive line.
In all, the Chargers’ sophomore class has been a mixed bag, with standout performances from players like Alt, McConkey, and Colson, and steady growth from others. Their development will be pivotal to the team’s success in the years to come as some may fall out of starting roles, but their value as backups to step in when needed is crucial to winning in PML.
