The San Diego Chargers don't pick at the top of the NFL Draft often. But recent history says when they do, they trade down.
Chargers are reportedly willing to trade down from the No. 3 overall pick
The Chargers have traded down the last two times they’ve held a top pick in the NFL Draft.
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
For just the third time since 2001, the Chargers will have a top-three selection. But according to Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego is willing to part with the pick if the right offer comes along.
The last two deals the Chargers made out of the top three have been winners. In 2001, San Diego shipped the No. 1 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons -- who drafted Michael Vick -- and wound up using its compensation to pick up LaDainian Tomlinson later in the first round and Drew Brees in the second round.
Three years later, the Chargers traded the rights to Eli Manning to the New York Giants, who gave them the rights to that year's No. 4 overall pick, Philip Rivers, as well as a third-round choice (kicker Nate Kaeding) and a 2005 first-rounder (linebacker Shawne Merriman). Manning reportedly wasn't enthralled with the idea of playing in San Diego, but the deal worked out for both sides: The Chargers made the playoffs five times over the ensuing six years, and the Giants have won two Super Bowls with Manning.
This time around, Rivers’ presence may facilitate another draft-day deal for the Chargers. Since they don’t need to draft a quarterback, teams clamoring to select either California’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz could offer a substantial package to get into the top three.
After a 4-12 season, the Chargers have a lot of needs -- especially on the defensive side of the ball. They've been linked to a number of defensive players, including defensive ends Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner as well as defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Given the defensive depth in this year's draft, the Chargers could trade down and probably still grab a productive player.
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