DK Metcalf's future is one of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason after the Pro Bowler demanded a trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The LA Chargers are one of the teams in the running for Metcalf and have tried to trade for the star wideout in the past.
Seattle's original high asking price for Metcalf has dropped, making it more likely the Chargers will make a trade. As it stands right now, it appears the Chargers can get a deal done with the 55th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as well as a fourth-round pick (or similar value) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With that knowledge in hand, we wanted to dive into what a Chargers mock draft could look like if the team trades a second-round pick for Metcalf. Using Pro Football Focus' Mock Draft Simulator, here is what we came up with.
Because rounds five through seven are such major crapshoots, we only drafted four rounds in this Chargers mock draft.
Chargers' mock draft with a potential DK Metcalf trade:
Chargers draft UNC RB Omarion Hampton with 28th pick
Those with eagle eyes will realize this mock draft has the Chargers taking Omarion Hampton with the 28th pick when the team has the 24th pick. If the Chargers are going to trade for Metcalf, and want to take Hampton in the first round, then they become a marquee trade-down candidate.
In this particular instance, the Chargers trade the 24th pick to the LA Rams for the 28th and 100th pick. Last year the Detroit Lions traded the 29th and 79th pick for the 24th and future seventh-round pick, so this trade value is fair for both parties.
A first-round running back might not be the most appealing move on paper but general manager Joe Hortiz has made it known he drafts the best player available. Hampton is a truly special running back who would instantly bolster the Chargers' run game in 2025 and beyond.
Chargers draft Georgia IOL Tate Ratledge with 86th pick
Georgia guard Tate Ratledge is a name Chargers fans are watching after the 2025 NFL Combine. Ratledge, who was one of the most productie guards in college football, showed his positional versatility during the combine with reps at the center position.
The Chargers would be addressing one of the team's interior offensive line needs with the intention of starting Ratledge at center. Even if Ratledge proves to be far better at guard, the team has already teased the idea of Zion Johnson moving to center. Either way, the Chargers would have options.
Ratledge is a starting-quality lineman who would be able to play right away for the Bolts. In a perfect world, he would quickly develop into an above-average center (which is feasible).
Chargers draft Virginia Tech CB Dorian Strong with 100th pick
Cornerback is not a position many Chargers fans are thinking much about this offseason thanks to Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. However, both Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. are free agents with slim chances of returning. As talented as Still and Hart are, the Bolts need depth.
Ideally, the Chargers would make one free-agent cornerback signing and would continue investing in the secondary with a mid-round pick. Here, the team takes promising coverage corner Dorian Strong, who has the traits Jim Harbaugh values.
Strong's athleticism holds him back (he's not slow, he just doesn't have elite top-end speed) but he does all the little things right. Whether it be in coverage or his strong ability as a run defender at the cornerback position, Strong has the fundamentals down.
Chargers draft Central Arkansas EDGE David Walker with 123rd pick
Here, the Chargers are taking a chance on a small-school prospect with great production numbers in the fourth round. David Walker finished with 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his senior year for the Central Arkansas Bears.
It's impossible to know exactly how Walker will perform going from the FCS to the NFL until he actually makes the leap. However, Walker has legitimate three-down potential as he showcased the ability to rush the passer and defend the run in college.
Walker probably wouldn't play much in his rookie season, similar to Justin Eboigbe. But with the trenches being so important, it is smart to continue investing with players who can develop into well-rounded pros.