3. Trading down in the 2022 NFL Draft
There are some fans that disagree with this sentiment and I have even seen some hype building around the idea of the Chargers trading up in the draft instead. In theory, if someone who ranks high enough on the Chargers' board falls far enough then a trade-up makes sense. However, the Bolts should look to keep their 2023 first-round pick as well as their 2022 second-round pick.
After trading a second-round pick for Khalil Mack earlier this offseason it makes sense for the Chargers to pivot, move slightly down in the draft and pick up another top-100 pick. Luckily for LA, they are in a great spot at 17 to potentially trade down.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that we have highlighted multiple times if the right quarterback is on the board at 17. If the Saints skip a quarterback with their first pick this could convince the Steelers to move up to jump the Saints, swapping 20 and their third-round pick for 17.
If the Saints take a quarterback then that likely means that a top receiver will be on the board at 17. Many Charger fans would want the team to simply draft said receiver, but instead, the Bolts could potentially trade down with a team like Kansas City to pick up more capital.
Sure, letting Pattrick Mahomes get someone like Jameson Williams may be less than desired but the Chargers shouldn't not make the move for that reason. If the Chargers don't trade down then another team might and the Chiefs might end up with said player anyway (assuming that the Chargers don't take the receiver).
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The Chargers have a talented overall roster but there are still a few holes to be filled. With free agency coming to a close, it is clear that the Chargers need to fill these holes in the 2022 NFL Draft. It is going to be a lot easier to find a starting tackle or impact defensive lineman when the team has three picks in the top 100 instead of two.