Conventional wisdom and pundits predict the Chargers will trade the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft on Thursday, acquiring additional draft capital to fill pressing roster needs. However, general manager Joe Hortiz has emphasized that he will not make a trade merely for the sake of it or accept anything less than a win-win scenario for the team. Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh have already made difficult roster decisions to comply with the NFL’s salary cap, including trading away veteran wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Through free agency, they have filled gaps and added depth while maintaining cap flexibility. With the draft approaching, Hortiz and Harbaugh have an opportunity to further reshape the roster, but they remain cautious about making moves that compromise value. Hortiz acknowledges the pressure and excitement surrounding the draft, particularly as this is his first as a general manager. He emphasizes the importance of having a plan and being prepared to adapt to unexpected circumstances. Despite conventional wisdom suggesting the Chargers should draft a wide receiver to replace Allen and Williams, Hortiz and Harbaugh may consider other options. They aim to establish a more balanced offense, including a reliable rushing game, and may prioritize drafting an offensive tackle like Notre Dame’s Joe Alt. The draft class is particularly strong in offensive talent, with quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first four picks. This could potentially lead to the Chargers drafting a wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. at number five. Alternatively, a favorable trade could allow them to select a tight end like Brock Bowers later and still acquire a wide receiver within the first or second round. However, Hortiz has made it clear that any trade must provide significant value in terms of draft picks.
Chargers’ Draft Dilemma: Trade or Keep the Fifth Pick?
