Should The Chargers Consider Trading Back From Pick 22?
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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.
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.
Protecting Justin Herbert is paramount, making offensive line depth—especially at guard—more critical than immediate edge rusher needs.
The Chargers' draft strategy should prioritize value and flexibility, using trades to build a deeper roster rather than forcing a 'need' pick.
Player narratives, like Reuben Baines' past incident, can unfairly impact draft stock and should be approached with caution.
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
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.
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.”
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.
Trading Down: Realistic Scenarios
“You go from five picks to seven picks. And like, that's one that I could see coming together.”
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.”
“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.”
“I want someone that's crazy strong and wants to use Marshawn Lynch all about that action boss. All about that action boss.”
“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.”
Hosts
Lorenzo Neal
person
Matt Money Smith
person
Chase Besantis
person
Joe Ortiz
person
Justin Herbert
person
Keelan Rutledge
person
Reuben Baines
person
Jimmy Johnson Trade Value Chart
other
Arizona Cardinals
other
Miami Dolphins
other
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