Jim Harbaugh Responds To Critics On Not Drafting WR: 'Offensive Linemen Are Weapons'

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The Los Angeles Chargers really wanted to trade the #5 overall pick in the NFL Draft to move down and collect more assets. Unfortunately for the team and new head coach Jim Harbaugh, they couldn't find the right deal. So, they stayed put and drafted Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt.

That makes a lot of sense for the team. They need to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who has dealt with myriad injuries over the past two seasons. When healthy, Herbert has one of the most talented right arms in the NFL. But, if he can't stay upright, it doesn't matter. 

Still, the Chargers are in salary cap hell and have a lot of holes to fill. They traded wide receiver Keenan Allen to free up some money, but that leaves them with very few offensive playmakers. They lost fellow wide receiver Mike Williams to free agency. Running back Austin Ekeler also left as a free agent. 

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh defended his team taking an offensive lineman, Notre Dame's Joe Alt (pictured), with the #5 overall pick.

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh defended his team taking an offensive lineman, Notre Dame's Joe Alt (pictured), with the #5 overall pick. 

(Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)

The Chargers drafted wide receiver Quentin Johnston in the first round last year, but he was mostly terrible in his rookie season. It's fair to say that the team lacks weapons, a major reason they wanted to trade down to acquire more picks. But, as only he can, Jim Harbaugh addressed exactly why they opted for an offensive lineman instead of a skill-position player. 

"I know the question is going to come up about weapons," Harbaugh began, "We look at offensive lineman as weapons."

This is the perfect Jim Harbaugh response. Offensive lineman are not "weapons," at least not as people use the term as it relates to football. But, that's what makes the Harbaugh response awesome. He pre-asks himself the question that he knows he's going to get, and then answers it with nonsense. 

How is a reporter supposed to follow-up on that!? Answer: they won't. They just let Harbaugh say his thing, and then move on. Perfectly executed deflection and what the Los Angeles media can look forward to for the foreseeable future.  

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.