The Los Angeles Chargers had an active 2024 offseason before the NFL Draft. From moving on from veterans like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to hiring renowned head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have displayed that they are in pursuit of a new direction with star quarterback Justin Herbert.
With the loss of star running back Austin Ekeler to free agency, there were many questions as to how or who will fill in the void of snaps left. After signing former Ravens running back Gus Edwards, NFL fans assumed it would be him and potentially a draft prospect to fill the role, although it seems the Chargers had a little more firepower in mind.
Los Angeles Chargers Sign J.K Dobbins
J.K Dobbins is just 25 years old after being drafted 55th overall in 2020 to the Baltimore Ravens. After a successful rookie campaign totaling over 800 yards and nine touchdowns under offensive coordinator Greg Roman in Baltimore, Dobbins fought through multiple major injuries to stay in the NFL (most recently a Week 1 Achilles tear in 2023)
After putting in the necessary work to return, J.K. Dobbins has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, finding himself surrounded by many familiar faces.
Chargers signing RB J.K. Dobbins to one-year deal. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/G0TtabOZHv
— NFL (@NFL) April 17, 2024
The 5’10 215 lb running back out of Ohio State was a touted prospect when entering the NFL. Despite breaking a leg bone in his senior year of high school J.K. Dobbins managed to become a starter for Ohio State in his freshman year. In his three years at Ohio State, Dobbins racked up over 5,000 total yards and 43 touchdowns for the Buckeyes.
In his time when healthy J.K. Dobbins portrayed exceptional pass-catching out of the backfield, a trait that the Chargers relied on during their time with Austin Ekeler. Reunited with his running mate Gus Edwards, these running backs will try to emulate the “lightning and thunder” approach to the backfield they brought to Baltimore. Behind former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman and brother of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, Jim, at head coach the former Ravens running backs are likely to run into some Deja Vu.
Dobbins’s signing continues a wave of former Ravens that are now Chargers that extends to the front office, from GM Joe Hortiz to tight ends coach Andy Bischoff and tight end Hayden Hurst. – ESPN’s Kris Rhim
It is hard to imagine some phone calls between the Harbaugh brothers did not transpire before the acquisition of the former Ravens by the Chargers. It appears that the Superbowl-winning Jim Harbaugh is a powerful reference, as the Los Angeles Chargers are taking on a lot of the talent the Baltimore Ravens has let walk.
Los Angeles Chargers Move Running Backs Down Draft Board
After the signing of Baltimore Ravens running backs, the Los Angeles Chargers draft strategy has certainly swapped around. With the capable backfield of new talent Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins as well as in-house talent of Isaiah Spiller, it is unlikely that the Los Angeles Chargers are looking for a running back early in the NFL Draft.
The loss of Austin Ekeler is a massive hit to their offensive production, leaving many fans assuming that the Los Angeles Chargers will aim to draft a replacement for him in the first couple of rounds. After the splash signings of Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, it is likely the Chargers will aim for day three of the NFL Draft to add new competition to the running back room.
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