NFL Draft 2024: Why Los Angeles Chargers Are Trade-Back Team to Watch

Los Angeles must prioritize bolstering Justin Herbert’s supporting cast, especially at wide receiver, but it could take adding more draft capital to get stronger in the trenches, especially along the offensive line.

Because of the pieces the Chargers need to fill, Los Angeles could be a team to watch to possibly trade down from the No. 5 overall selection.

What a Los Angeles Chargers-Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Trade Might Look Like

Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler put together a list of hypothetical trades for all 32 teams ahead of the draft.

Fowler’s proposed Chargers trade-down could be a deal to watch for on Thursday night.

Chargers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 11), 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 23), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Vikings Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 5), 2024 Round 4 Pick (No. 110)

Why the Chargers Might Trade Down

If the Chargers do wind up trading back, even sliding down six spots could still give Jim Harbaugh and Los Angeles a chance to land one of the prospects they would have been thrilled to select at No. 5.

Presuming the first three picks off the board are Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, and if the Arizona Cardinals stay put to select Marvin Harrison Jr., it would likely mean Minnesota takes J.J. McCarthy and the New York Giants at No. 6 overall would most likely choose between the top offensive tackle and wide receiver Malik Nabers.

That would leave only five slots away from the Chargers most likely having at least one of Rome Odunze, Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, or elite tight end Brock Bowers to choose from. And, Harbaugh would be collecting an additional first-round pick, as well.

Given that the Chargers need to solidify the offensive line and add to Justin Herbert’s receiving corps, having two picks in the top-25 selections may prove more valuable than one top-five pick.