How Chargers can earn 'A' grade in the 2026 NFL Draft
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz has drafted well the past two years. What would it take to earn an "A" this year?
Joe Hortiz has drafted well in each of his tenures as the Chargers ' general manager. So what would it take for him to keep it up and earn high praise for his haul later this week? Here is how the Bolts can ace the draft: Trade down and get more picks Trading down is a necessity for the Chargers.
With only five total selections (tied for the second-fewest in the NFL), the Bolts lack the ammo to address all their critical needs on both sides of the line. They could move back a few spots with a team like the Bears (No. 25 overall), who could jump up to grab an offensive tackle.
Or Los Angeles could trade back to the top of the second round with a quarterback-needy team like the Jets (No. 33) or Cardinals (No. 34).
By trading back, Hortiz can leverage their first-round pick to secure additional mid-round capital. Secure a starting-caliber guard The Chargers' primary weakness continues to be the interior of the offensive line, specifically the left guard position. They signed Cole Strange, who is presumably the starting right guard.