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NFL Analyst Names ‘Sleeper’ Of Los Angeles Chargers Draft Class Who May Thrive In 2024

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 5/5/24

The Los Angeles Chargers emerged from the 2024 NFL Draft with a strong class of players, addressing needs on both sides of the ball and setting a new identity for the team under Jim Harbaugh. However, one selection in particular has generated a lot of praise.

While many around the NFL loved the selections of offensive tackle Joe Alt in Round 1 and raved about the trade-up in the second round for wide receiver Ladd McConkey, it was a late-round pick on Day 3 of the NFL Draft that is being identified as the sleeper of the Chargers draft class.

In identifying one sleeper on each team from the 2024 NFL Draft, Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire picked running back Kimani Vidal as the sleeper of the Chargers draft class this year.

Vidal, selected with the 181st overall pick in Round 6, fell in the draft due to his size at 5-foot-8. However, the third-team All-American and Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year this past season at Troy brings a lot to the table.

Kimani Vidal stats (2023: 1,661 rushing yards, 5.6 yards per carry, 14 rushing touchdowns, 18 receptions, 201 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

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“Don’t be fooled by Vidal’s size or his small-school status; he has a chance to succeed quickly in the NFL, and the fact that the Chargers got him with the 181st overall pick in the sixth round? Down the road, a lot of NFL teams might regret not making that pick in that area of the draft.”
Doug Farrar on Los Angeles Charge rookie running back Kimani Vidal

Don't be surprised if Troy RB Kimani Vidal stands out for the Chargers sooner than later. Greg Roman likes Pocket Hercules running backs, and the 5' 7⅞", 213-pound Vidal qualifies. Forced 94 missed tackles and had 19 runs of 15+ yards in 2023. Sixth-round steal. pic.twitter.com/bMmGuPtjm3
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) May 2, 2024

As noted by Farrar, Vidal isn’t one of those small-school players who top programs had zero interest in coming out of high school. Rated as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, Vidal turned down offers from LSU and South Carolina to specifically play at Troy.

He became the centerpiece of their offense in the last two seasons, turning 572 touches into 3,134 scrimmage yards and 25 total touchdowns in 28 games. He also offers plenty of athleticism, posting an 8.81 Relative Athletic Score during the pre-draft process.

Vidal will have his work cut out for him, needing to jump Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins on the Chargers depth chart. However, Dobbins is coming off a torn Achilles and Edwards is more of a committee back. If Vidal shines this summer, there’s a distinct possibility he could be one of the most impactful Chargers rookies in 2024.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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