TRADE BACK: Why the Chargers MUST Acquire More Picks in NFL Draft to FIX Roster Holes
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In this episode of Locked On Chargers, hosts Daniel Wade and David Droegemeier argue that the Los Angeles Chargers must trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft to address critical roster holes, despite having only five total picks. They emphasize that with a polarizing draft class and no clear 'can't miss' first-round talent at pick 22, trading back offers a better path to acquire multiple impact players. The hosts analyze potential trade scenarios with teams like the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins, showing how moving back 8–11 spots could yield a second-round pick and a third-round pick—giving the Chargers more opportunities to land top 100 players at key positions like guard, edge rusher, and cornerback. They highlight that general manager Joe Hortiz has a history of successful trades but has yet to execute a draft trade back, a missing piece on his 'GM bingo card' that now feels overdue. The episode concludes with a call to action for fans to join the Everyday Air Club for exclusive content and ad-free access.
The Chargers should trade back from pick 22 to gain additional draft capital and increase their chances of finding impact players.
Moving back 8–11 spots could yield a second-round pick and a third-round pick, giving the Chargers more opportunities to address multiple roster needs.
Joe Hortiz has a strong track record of trades but has never traded back in the draft—this year presents the ideal opportunity to complete his 'GM bingo card'.
The 2026 draft class lacks clear first-round stars, making a trade back a smarter strategic move than staying put.
Teams like the Dolphins and Browns offer viable trade partners due to their surplus of picks and need for value.
Introduction: The Case for Trading Back in the 2026 NFL Draft
The episode opens with a promo for the Everyday Air Club and sets the stage for the main topic: the Chargers' need to trade back in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire more picks and address roster holes.
Why 22nd Pick Is a Risky Spot for the Chargers
The hosts explain that pick 22 is a 'no man's land' with no guarantee of finding a top-tier player, especially given the Chargers’ limited five-pick draft class and multiple positional needs.
Trading Back for More Impact Players: The Strategic Advantage
“I just don't feel like there's going to be a player at 22 that would equal the value of being able to get two quality players at two positions of need in the second or third rounds.”
Trade Scenarios: Browns, Dolphins, and the Value of Pick Swaps
“You're moving back from the first round into the second round and you're picking up an extra third round pick, an extra top 100 pick for that trade moving back.”
Joe Hortiz’s Missing Move: The Need to Trade Back
“It's time to trade back, Joe, and get yourself some more picks. But that's going to wrap things up for today's show.”
“I just don't feel like there's going to be a player at 22 that would equal the value of being able to get two quality players at two positions of need in the second or third rounds.”
“You're moving back from the first round into the second round and you're picking up an extra third round pick, an extra top 100 pick for that trade moving back.”
“It's time to trade back, Joe, and get yourself some more picks. But that's going to wrap things up for today's show.”
Hosts
Daniel Wade
person
David Droegemeier
person
Joe Hortiz
person
Locked On Chargers
media
Miami Dolphins
other
Cleveland Browns
other
Ladd McConkie
person
Everyday Air Club
other
Patriots
other
Elijah Molden
person
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