Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers expected to pick Michigan player in 2024 NFL Draft, per report

Jim Harbaugh and may soon be reuniting with one of his former players.

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, there is a report that the Los Angeles Chargers will go out and get Harbaugh his former running back.

“No running backs are expected to go in the first round, and there’s a great variety of opinion on which one will be the first back selected this year,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano shared Wednesday. “I’ve spoken to scouts from multiple teams who think Michigan’s Blake Corum might be the best of the bunch and believe Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers will do what it takes to make sure he’s reunited with his college coach.”

What will it take for Harbaugh, Chargers to draft Corum?

As your average fantasy football player knows, a lot goes into drafting. If the Chargers want Corum, they will be weighing where they have him on their draft against how his overall draft value is viewed.

The Chargers start with the No. 5 overall pick in the draft. While taking him at No. 5 would fit the bill of doing “what it takes,” it feels highly unlikely.

This year, there is no buzz for running backs to go in Round 1. The Chargers would be ridiculed if they used the No. 5 overall pick to take a running back that is considered a Day 2 pick in many expert mock drafts.

After Thursday’s first round, Rounds 2-4 will be held on Friday. Things line up better for Corum to become a Charger.

On Friday, Los Angeles holds picks No. 37 (Round 2), No. 69 (Round 3), No. 105 (Round 4) and No. 110 (Round 4). Interestingly, The Athletic has Corum mocked to the Chargers at No. 69, while ESPN’s Matt Miller has the reunion happening with the No. 105 pick.

Whether Round 2, 3, or 4, the betting odds suggest a reunion is likely. On NFL Draft eve, here is the latest look at odds for which team will draft Corum from DraftKings Sportsbook:

Los Angeles Chargers +190
New York Giants +330
Dallas Cowboys +750
Minnesota Vikings +850

If one trusts Graziano’s ESPN report, a bet on the Chargers to draft Corum could make for a nice payday. At +190, a $100 bet would pay $190 for a $290 payout.

We’ll see how it plays out in the coming days!