Chargers Gain Extra Pick in Smart Draft Trade Down

A modest trade back from No. 22 could net the Chargers more value to address their offensive line needs.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract football play, with sharp, overlapping shapes in the Chargers' team colors of navy blue, powder blue, and gold, conceptually representing the team's strategic approach to the draft.The Chargers' strategic trade down in the 2026 NFL Draft allows them to address their offensive line needs while also gaining additional draft capital.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers are in a tricky spot with the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they are close enough to the first round to be in the mix for top prospects but far enough down that they can't rely on the board falling in their favor. The ideal strategy is to trade down a few spots, gaining an additional top-100 selection while still securing an offensive lineman to support quarterback Justin Herbert.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line remains a priority, and they need to add more depth and talent to the unit to give Herbert the best chance of success. By trading down, they can address this need while also adding another valuable draft pick to their limited five-pick class.

The details

Chargers executive Joe Hortiz has indicated the team is open to trading down from the 22nd pick, noting that it feels more like navigating a second- or third-round board than a premium first-round slot. The Chargers should aim to move back just enough to acquire an additional top-100 selection, while still maintaining access to the same tier of offensive line and defensive prospects expected to be available in the late first and early second rounds.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Joe Hortiz

The Chargers' executive who has discussed the team's openness to trading down in the draft.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' starting quarterback, who the team is looking to support with improved offensive line play.

Tom Hortiz

A Chargers front office executive who has stated the team prefers to let the draft board come to them.

Chad Alexander

A Chargers front office executive who has stated the team prefers to let the draft board come to them.

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What they’re saying

“Picking at No. 22 feels more like navigating a second- or third-round board than a premium first-round slot.”

— Joe Hortiz, Chargers Executive

“We prefer to let the draft board come to us, selecting the best player who fits the team's needs.”

— Tom Hortiz, Chargers Front Office Executive

“We prefer to let the draft board come to us, selecting the best player who fits the team's needs.”

— Chad Alexander, Chargers Front Office Executive

What’s next

The Chargers will look to execute a trade down from the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to acquire an additional top-100 selection while still addressing their offensive line needs.

The takeaway

By trading down a few spots in the first round, the Chargers can add more value to their limited 2026 draft class while still securing an offensive lineman to support quarterback Justin Herbert. This smart strategy aligns with the team's philosophy of letting the draft board come to them.