The Los Angeles Chargers are currently on a bye week as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. This pause in the season provides an opportunity to reflect on their decisions during the recent NFL draft.
Missed Trade Opportunities in April Draft
During the April draft, the Chargers opted against trading down from the No. 22 pick. This decision has generated discussion, particularly regarding their selection of running back Omarion Hampton, who has appeared in only five games due to an ankle injury and is currently on injured reserve.
Additionally, second-round pick Tre’ Harris has not made a significant impact, with only 16 receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown in the first 11 games. This raises questions about the franchise’s strategy.
Negotiations with Philadelphia Eagles
Reports suggest that the Chargers were in discussions with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles about moving down from their first-round position. The Eagles aimed to trade up from the 32nd spot but a lack of communication between the two teams prevented a formal agreement. As a result, the Chargers selected Hampton, who was reportedly their initial target.
Atlanta Falcons’ Active Draft Strategy
Contrasting the Chargers’ draft approach, the Atlanta Falcons aggressively pursued Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. They traded their second- and seventh-round picks along with a future first-round selection to move into the 26th spot during the draft.
The Falcons’ current record stands at 3-7, which means their transferred first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams could end up being the 10th overall selection. This situation highlights the risk associated with trading draft picks.
Could Chargers Have Taken a Different Route?
- If the Chargers had successfully traded down, they might have gained additional assets for the future.
- Rumors also indicated potential interest from the Chargers in connecting with the Falcons, though nothing was confirmed.
- Various running back alternatives were available in the draft, such as Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, who were selected shortly after the Chargers made their pick.
Despite the successful acquisition of Hampton, the situation leaves fans wondering about the outcomes had the team chosen differently. They could have benefitted from a strategic decision that would have provided them additional first-round prospects.
Future Implications
It remains to be seen whether Hampton and Harris will flourish for the Chargers in the long term. For now, the team is faced with the question of how to optimize their roster and if a more aggressive draft strategy could yield better results in future seasons.
As they look ahead to the rest of the season, the Chargers must balance the promise of their recent picks with the desire for immediate impact players. Only time will tell if they made the right call in this year’s draft.
