Full Chargers mock draft if the team ends up trading Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler requested (and was granted) permission to seek out a trade from the LA Chargers after the two sides could not make any progress on extension talks. This is a huge new wrench in the offseason plans that fans were not expecting.

Although, now that the dust has settled a bit it does seem a bit more unlikely that Ekeler will be moved. The running-back market is not what he thought it is and he is likely not going to get the kind of contract he was expecting from any team.

It still is possible, though, and if a trade does happen then it is going to change the complexion of the rest of the offseason, especially the 2023 NFL Draft. Here is our full Chargers mock draft if Ekeler gets traded, including a trade that does make some sense.

The trade: Austin Ekeler to the New England Patriots for LA Rams' 2023 fourth-round pick.

Chargers mock draft, round 1: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

We used Pro Football Focus' mock draft machine and Bijan Robinson fell to the 21st overall pick. It is probably more likely than not that Robinson is picked before the Chargers are on the clock but if he isn't, it is hard to see Tom Telesco passing on him if Ekeler is not on the roster.

Robinson is the best running back by far in this class and truly looks to be someone special that can instantly come into the league and be a difference-maker. If Ekeler was on the roster then the Chargers could target another position and get a running back later in the draft. Without Ekeler, running back suddenly becomes a big need and Robison fills that perfectly.

I would not hold your breath and expect the Bolts to trade Robinson in 2023 (hopefully they don't move up). But if he does somehow fall to 21 like in this mock draft then there is no way he isn't the pick.