Chargers Prioritize Protecting Herbert with Alt Draft Pick Despite Financial Strain and Loss of Playmakers as Harbaugh Employs Weapons Analogy for Deflection

The LA Chargers wanted badly to trade their fifth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft to acquire more assets, but they couldn’t find a suitable deal with other teams. As a result, the franchise went ahead and picked Notre Dame’s Joe Alt – an offensive lineman. This move makes sense for the Chargers as protecting their star quarterback Justin Herbert is crucial given his history of injuries over recent seasons. However, LA finds itself in financial trouble and has several gaps to fill after parting ways with Keenan Allen and losing both Mike Williams (to free agency) and Austin Ekeler (also a free agent). Head coach Jim Harbaugh explained the decision to draft Alt rather than selecting another player from the skill-position group by describing them as “weapons.” While this is not technically accurate, it’s an effective way for Harbaugh to deflect attention away from potential criticism. In short, don’t expect journalists in LA to question him further on his response!