2026 has been a disastrous season for the Chargers in a way that basically no one expected. They currently have the 3rd overall pick at 0-4 if the 2027 NFL Draft started today. They'll also play Denver this week in a game where they might not have WR Ladd McConkey, S Derwin James, RT Joe Alt, or LT Rashawn Slater. There's a firm possibility that this season continues to snowball in a negative direction.
This was a team that was supposed to compete for the playoffs under HC Jim Harbaugh and OC Mike McDaniel. While that dream isn't officially dead yet, it's getting awfully close. If the season is a bust, what do the Chargers have to look forward to next Apriil?
Here's where the Chargers' 2027 draft capital currently stands as their disaster season continues.
The Chargers have seven picks in next year's draft. They are as follows:
- 1st rounder
- 2nd rounder
- 3rd rounder
- 4th rounder
- 5th rounder
- 6th rounder (Seahawks)
- 7th rounder (Rams)
With their own picks, the Chargers would have just five selections. But Joe Hortiz acquired two 2027 day three picks via trades. A seventh-rounder from the Rams was acquired via the Ravens in the 2025 Odafe Oweh-AlohI Gilman swap. Prior to roster cuts, the team acquired a sixth-round pick in next year's draft for CB Avery Smith.
Given the Chargers' current place in the NFL standings, their own five picks look like they'll be juiced with some value in particular. Could they be in the sweepstakes for WR Jeremiah Smith? We'll see. But the fourth overall pick or higher would allow them to get a blue chip talent.
The Chargers also may not be done adding picks. As they fall out of the playoff race with about a month to go until the trade deadline, Los Angeles could be sellers. ESPN's Adam Schefter already reported Khalil Mack potentially being traded for a mid-round pick as a possibility. The Ringer's Tom Pelissero expanded upon that in his most recent Substack post and listed names like Mack, Donte Jackson, Bud Dupree, Dalvin Tomlinson, Denzel Perryman, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Daiyan Henley as potential sell candidates.
At the end of the day, the Chargers could be looking at 8+ total picks in next year's draft assuming they trade Mack and/or others players. They'll play out Week 5 and Week 6 in an attempt to stabilize their season. But if their current level of injuries and poor form continues, there will be tough decisions to make between Week 7's BYE and the trade deadline.
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