{"id":42114,"date":"2018-04-13T18:23:19","date_gmt":"2018-04-13T22:23:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=42114"},"modified":"2021-03-12T16:36:01","modified_gmt":"2021-03-12T21:36:01","slug":"los-angeles-chargers-should-trade-draft-picks-new-player","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/04\/13\/los-angeles-chargers-should-trade-draft-picks-new-player\/","title":{"rendered":"The Los Angeles Chargers Should Trade Draft Picks for a New Player"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> have had a relatively quiet off-season, with their biggest moves being the signing of Mike Pouncey<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and bringing in a new kicker in Caleb Sturgis<\/a><\/strong>. They have had some good reason for that, though. They have a mostly sound roster right now (having only missed the playoffs because of missed kicks) and obviously did not think they needed to sign a big name to a new contract. (Unless Pouncey counts as a big name.)<\/p>\n

With that said, there are still a couple positions where it would not hurt to have some depth or a new starter altogether. Given that this is a win-now team trying to make a playoff push in the late years of quarterback Philip Rivers<\/strong><\/a>‘ career, they may be well served by getting someone with experience. Trading draft picks for players has been a big trend this off-season. The Chargers should cash in on that and trade for a good player, as opposed to using all their draft picks on hit-or-miss rookies. It’s worth considering that they probably wouldn’t trade for anyone with a bigger contract. The Chargers aren’t generally a heavy-spending team in regards to money. As for what to send away, a second or third-round pick being on the table could be the best place to start. But if they can get away with lower draft picks for a good player, they should go for it.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Chargers Should Trade Draft Picks for an Experienced Player<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Trade for a Free Safety<\/h2>\n

The Chargers never re-signed Tre Boston<\/a><\/strong>, and at the moment it does not seem like he is coming back. That leaves Adrian Phillips<\/a><\/strong> and Rayshawn Jenkins<\/a><\/strong> at the free safety position. While Phillips is not a bad option, having a somewhat more established veteran might inspire more confidence.<\/p>\n

A couple of options that would be solid and that would not cost the Chargers too much money-wise would be Antoine Bethea<\/a> <\/strong>and D.J. Swearinger<\/a><\/strong>. There are other options, obviously. The Seattle Seahawks<\/a> seem to be revamping their defense completely. Thus, it probably would not shock as much at this point if Earl Thomas<\/strong><\/a> (for example) got traded too. And the Chargers do have Gus Bradley<\/strong>, one of Thomas’ former defensive coordinators. But his more expensive contract might make that difficult. There are other cheaper veteran options out there anyway like Bethea and Swearinger.<\/p>\n

Trade for a Linebacker<\/h2>\n

Besides kicking, the one area where the Chargers struggled in 2017 was the run defense. They were one of the worst in the league in that area. Brandon Mebane<\/a><\/strong> and even Damion Square<\/a> <\/strong>have been decent defensive tackles, so they do not seem to be too much to blame. The linebacker position seems thinner, however. Denzel Perryman<\/strong><\/a> is good, but he has only played 19 games in the last two seasons. Jatavis Brown<\/a><\/strong> has shown promise, and Kyle Emanuel<\/a><\/strong> isn’t that bad. But that’s about it. They could definitely use some depth there and perhaps another starter altogether. A couple of possible options here are Benardrick McKinney<\/strong><\/a> and Wesley Woodyard<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Trade for a Wide Receiver<\/h2>\n

At the beginning of last year, the Chargers wide receiver depth chart looked pretty good. And it’s still not bad now. But let’s go through the roster. There is Keenan Allen<\/strong><\/a>, and there’s also Hunter Henry<\/a> <\/strong>out at tight end. Then you have Tyrell Williams<\/a><\/strong>, who is a good speed option. Other than that, there’s Mike Williams<\/a>. <\/strong>And if we go off his rookie year alone, he might be the next Laquon Treadwell<\/a><\/strong>. (That’s not good, by the way.) And Travis Benjamin<\/a><\/strong>? Good for bringing down a deep pass and nothing else.<\/p>\n

While the Chargers might still survive with that same lineup (especially if Williams does better in Year 2), having a more consistent and dependable option aside from Allen might do them some good. Sterling Shepard<\/a><\/strong> and Martavis Bryant<\/a><\/strong> (the latter actually wanted to be traded midway through the season last year) are a couple of solid options.<\/p>\n

Of course, it is quite possible that the Chargers could survive without making any such trades. However, if they did make one they could help better ensure a good season. And given that draft picks seem like a lesser price to pay (especially when you’re not a rebuilding team), the Chargers should at least consider making a move of this type before the draft. They are a team that would have less to lose than others if they gave up a second or third round pick.<\/p>\n

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