Los Angeles Chargers select Cam Hart in fifth round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was a key piece of the Fighting Irish defense the last three seasons.

Hart started his career as a wide receiver, but after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2019, moved to cornerback ahead of the COVID-impacted 2020 campaign. He had a breakout year as a redshirt sophomore in 2021 when he had 41 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.

All told, during his four years at Notre Dame – three of which were in a starting role – Hart had 90 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and 17 passes defended. He also had a team high three forced fumbles as a senior in 2023.

One of Hart’s most impressive performances came in Notre Dame’s heartbreaking loss to Ohio State in September 2023. He had three tackles, but also locked down star receiver and eventual Biletnikoff Award winner Marvin Harrison Jr. That was one of two games Harrison didn’t score a touchdown and his 32 yards marked his third-lowest total of the year.

Hart played high school football at Good Counsel (Md.), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 626 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Cam Hart

At the NFL Scouting Combine in March, Hart impressed with a 39.50″ vertical jump, which was the eighth-best among the cornerbacks in the event. That athleticism stands out to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, but he still has some room to grow at the next level, especially considering his 4.50 40-yard dash.

But given Hart’s performance against Harrison and his 6-foot-3, 202-pound frame, Zierlein said he could develop into a contributor given his skillset.

“Traits-based cornerback with an impressive blend of size and athleticism that could lead teams to project what he could be rather than what he is,” Zierlein wrote. “Hart’s size advantage shows up when he’s getting after receivers from press, but he doesn’t always play big when it comes to run support and attacking the catch point. He has the agility to match releases and plays with pretty good route anticipation but lacks ideal make-up speed once he loses ground during the route.

“Hart doesn’t display much of a playmaking gene when it comes to trusting his instincts and playing the football, but he did a terrific job of helping to hold Marvin Harrison Jr. in check. There are pieces missing from the puzzle, but cornerbacks with his traits tend to improve in the league with scheme consideration.”