LA Chargers: 3 teams to trade down with in the first round

3. Chicago Bears, pick 20

The LA Chargers could incite a bidding war

It might seem lazy to literally just list the very next pick in the 2021 NFL Draft but that is not it at all. The Chicago Bears are also a team that needs a quarterback and if they do not get Carson Wentz before the draft then I would not be surprised to see them trade up and get their guy.

They have shown no hesitation to trading up for a quarterback before and with this being Ryan Pace’s last chance essentially I do not think they would let a talented quarterback slip through their fingers in either Lance or Wilson.

This is where it gets fun for the LA Chargers. The 19th and 20th pick are essentially worth the same, with Chicago’s pick being worth 25 points less. The Bolts can then incite a bidding war between the two teams.

MUST-READ: Ranking the top five 2021 NFL Draft needs

And knowing Chicago’s desperation, the Chargers could very well get them to overpay to move up in the draft. They do not have the same extra capital that Washington has, but they may be more willing to package a second-round pick in the trade.

Again, Pace is desperate. The Bears’ second-round pick is worth 380, which would seemingly be enough for the Bears to trade up. However, with all of their picks in 2022, Tom Telesco might be able to squeeze an extra fourth-round pick from Chicago next season.

This would be excellent. I would much rather have Chicago’s second this year and their fourth next year than San Franciso’s third and Washington’s third next year. I would probably also rather have just Chicago’s second over the two thirds.

If they play their cards right, the LA Chargers could really manipulate Washington and Chicago with no big worry that they are giving either team a great quarterback as they are both in the NFC.