Chargers trade out of first round, still add talent on both sides

ASFN Admin

Administrator
Administrator
Moderator
Supporting Member
Joined
May 8, 2002
Posts
1,151,498
Reaction score
59
NFL Media's Eric Edholm proposed a draft-day trade in which the Chargers trade down from their first-round pick in a deal with the Jets.

In that, they end up with two second-round picks (No. 33 and 44 overall), their original third-round pick (No. 86 overall), a higher fourth-round pick (No. 103 overall) and their sixth-round pick (No. 202 overall).

Using that scenario, here is a mock draft to see what the Bolts could do with their selections.

Round 2, No. 33, OL Emmnauel Pregnon, Oregon​


The Chargers kick Day 2 off by addressing the left guard spot. Pregnon is an experienced lineman with nearly 3,000 snaps of experience and only one sack allowed over his final three seasons. The 6-foot-5 and 318-pounder is a strong, mauler who shows the awareness, strength and power to deliver a blow to defenders. Pregnon also has impressive mobility for his size, which would allow him to excel as a puller in Mike McDaniel's offense.

Round 2, No. 44, CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana​


The Chargers have a solid core of cornerbacks. However, with a first-time NFL defensive coordinator in Chris O'Leary, they would benefit from adding more talent to this position room. Despite being undersized, Ponds is a highly productive corner who would excel in a zone-match scheme, which is central to the defensive system. Ponds is a magnet to the football, finishing with two interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season. He is also physical and a good tackler in the run game.

Round 3, No. 86, EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State​


The Chargers need to find a third edge rusher behind Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack, who will be a part of the long-term plans. Dennis-Sutton is a well-built EDGE with good length who plays with active and heavy hands, burst, power, and a variety of pass rush moves. His 9.96 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at the 2026 NFL Combine ranked him as one of the most athletic edge prospects in modern history.

Round 4, No. 103, WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State​


The Chargers open up Day 3 by getting a wide receiver with some juice for McDaniel. Bryce, the brother of Trey, is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound X-receiver with elite downfield traits. He boasts rare explosiveness (4.34 40) and excellent tracking ability. He excels at the catch point, utilizing a large radius, strong hands, and toughness, evidenced by a 66.7% contested catch rate in 2025. Lance recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in back-to-back seasons for the Bisons.

Round 6, No. 202, S Dalton Johnson, Arizona​


The Chargers could close out their draft class with another offensive lineman, a defensive tackle or a tight end. But they add depth to the safety room and get someone with special teams upside. Johnson, who was a part of a loaded Arizona secondary, is an instinctive, high-motor safety with elite 4.41 speed and possesses the versatility to align at different spots. He had a productive college career with 286 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles. It's also worth noting that Chargers safeties coach Adam Fuller was in attendance for Arizona's Pro Day.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Latest mock draft sees Chargers trading back, getting starting guard

Continue reading...
 

Forum statistics

Threads
1,353,861
Posts
6,571,903
Members
6,432
Latest member
CardinalBlood
Top