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Analyst explains why Chargers could be inclined to trade out of pick No. 21
Analyst explains why Chargers could be inclined to trade out of pick No. 21,Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, it should be of minimal surprise that L.A. has some bolstering to do at many positions.

Analyst explains why Chargers could be inclined to trade out of pick No. 21

The Los Angeles Chargers had one of the more banged-up rosters in the NFL in 2022.

Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, it should be of minimal surprise that L.A. has some bolstering to do at many positions. This is why NFL Network’s James Palmer believes the Chargers could be a prime candidate to trade out of their first-round pick, No. 21 overall.

“The thought process I’m told of trading back at 21 is more of a thought this season as opposed to previous ones considering depth is a problem,” Palmer said. “Since Tom Telesco became the general manager in 2013, he’s never traded back for more picks in any round. But it seems to be more likely this year than in any other previous season.”

The Chargers have a little over $14M in cap space, according to Over the Cap, and the draft seems like a more feasible way for them to build depth than signing high-priced veterans.

L.A. has seven picks in the 2023 draft — its fewest since making six selections in 2020. 

The Chargers have plenty of positions to address including receiver (Keenan Allen turns 31 in a few days and Mike Williams will turn 29 a few weeks into the season), defensive end (Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack need some help), interior offensive lineman (both guards allowed 11 sacks and 82 pressures) and cornerback (position allowed 12.7 yards per completion and 19 TDs in 2022).

Receiver appears to be a popular pick for the Chargers among many draft experts, and ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes they could jump ahead of the Green Bay Packers to land one of the draft’s top wideouts.

“The Packers drafting a wide receiver in the first round still seems to be a theory as opposed to something that might actually happen, but this would be a way for the Chargers to land Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) as the long-term replacement for Keenan Allen,” Barnwell wrote. “A more speedy option could be in play, although the Chargers probably would feel confident they could stay put and grab Zay Flowers (Boston College) or Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee).”