Should The Chargers Consider Trading Back From Pick 22?

Bleav in Chargers1h 0mApril 15, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of 'Believe in Chargers,' hosts Lorenzo Neal and Matt Money Smith dive deep into the Chargers' draft strategy with a focus on whether they should trade back from the 22nd overall pick. The conversation explores the value of positional need versus player talent, particularly around offensive line depth, with strong emphasis on guard prospects like Chase Besantis and Keelan Rutledge. The hosts debate whether trading down to secure additional picks—potentially from teams like Miami, Arizona, or Chicago—would yield better long-term value, especially given the Chargers' history of savvy drafting under Joe Ortiz. They also discuss the emotional toll of draft narratives, such as Reuben Baines' past accident, and how character and medical evaluations can impact player value. A mock draft simulation follows, where the team trades down to 34, selects Besantis at 34, and builds depth at center, tight end, and edge rusher, ultimately prioritizing protection for Justin Herbert. The episode closes with a promotional push for the upcoming Fresno Fullback Classic golf tournament on June 27th.

Key Takeaways
1

Trading back from pick 22 could allow the Chargers to accumulate more picks and still land top-tier talent like Chase Besantis or Keelan Rutledge.

2

Protecting Justin Herbert is paramount, making offensive line depth—especially at guard—more critical than immediate edge rusher needs.

3

The Chargers' draft strategy should prioritize value and flexibility, using trades to build a deeper roster rather than forcing a 'need' pick.

4

Player narratives, like Reuben Baines' past incident, can unfairly impact draft stock and should be approached with caution.

5

The mock draft demonstrates that a trade-down strategy can yield high-impact players while adding depth across key positions.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Draft Countdown: The 22nd Pick Dilemma

The hosts kick off the episode with excitement for the upcoming NFL Draft, setting the stage for a deep dive into whether the Chargers should trade back from the 22nd pick. They discuss the shifting landscape of draft boards and the growing uncertainty around top prospects.

10:00
10 min

Guard vs. Edge: The Core Debate

I want someone that's crazy strong and wants to use Marshawn Lynch all about that action boss. All about that action boss.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

The Impact of Character and Medicals

The hosts examine how off-field narratives—like Reuben Baines’ past accident—can unfairly influence draft value. They also discuss how medical evaluations and character reports will shape the board in the final week before the draft.

30:00
10 min

Trading Down: Realistic Scenarios

You go from five picks to seven picks. And like, that's one that I could see coming together.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

Mock Draft Simulation: The Trade Strategy in Action

We ended up pulling an hour out of this. I thought we were going to go for about a half hour, and we ended up going for – an hour and I think our producer Lindsey wants me to send her a screenshot.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I'm going to wait to make that pick. The reason why I'm going guard. Or as a charger, as a GM. You put me in that position is because my quarterback's been beat up the last couple of years.
Lorenzo Neal47:15
Viral: 88.0
I want someone that's crazy strong and wants to use Marshawn Lynch all about that action boss. All about that action boss.
Matt Money Smith17:57
Viral: 85.0
We ended up pulling an hour out of this. I thought we were going to go for about a half hour, and we ended up going for – an hour and I think our producer Lindsey wants me to send her a screenshot.
Matt Money Smith57:33
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

Lorenzo NealMatt Money Smith
Topics Discussed
Draft Strategy95%Offensive Line Needs90%Trade-Down Scenarios88%Quarterback Protection87%Player Value and Draft Capital85%Mock Draft Simulation82%Character and Medical Evaluations78%Free Agency and Roster Building75%
People & Brands

Lorenzo Neal

person

12xPositive

Matt Money Smith

person

11xPositive

Chase Besantis

person

9xPositive

Joe Ortiz

person

6xPositive

Justin Herbert

person

5xPositive

Keelan Rutledge

person

5xPositive

Reuben Baines

person

4xNeutral

Jimmy Johnson Trade Value Chart

other

4xNeutral

Arizona Cardinals

other

4xNeutral

Miami Dolphins

other

4xNeutral

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