Junior Colson

With the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers have selected former Michigan linebacker Junior Colson. The former two-time All-Big Ten selection should help solidify a porous Chargers linebacking corps, while Colson also reunites with his college coach, Jim Harbaugh after the duo won a national championship together just a few months ago.

After losing both Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray to free agency, Colson will attempt to unseat Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, and Troy Dye atop the Chargers’ depth chart. At 6’2,” 238 pounds, Colson brings much-needed athleticism, experience, and toughness to a young and inexperienced Los Angeles defense attempting to rebound from a difficult 2023 season.

In terms of his fantasy prospects, Colson’s relatively linear path to consistent snaps as well as his reputation as a tackling machine make him an intriguing option in fantasy leagues that deploy an IDP slot. While his production might not be consistent right away, expect Colson to earn himself a sizable role relatively quickly.