Chargers News: LA Again Trades Back In Fresh Mock Draft

The Bolts have a lot of options this offseason.

With the no. 5 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bolts have several directions they could go. 

While some suggest Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, and some are in favor of Georgia TE Brock Bowers, the majority appear in favor of LSU WR Malik Nabers, as he projects as an elite vertical threat for QB Justin Herbert.  

Aside from these 3 options, the prospect of trading back has become increasingly popular as of late. With this being such a quarterback-heavy draft, the Bolts can easily leverage their high pick in negotiations with QB-needy teams, including the likes of the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos. 

Given those teams' desperate need for a QB, they'll likely overpay for who they want in what is one of the best QB classes in recent memory, providing the Bolts with more long-term assets and flexibility. 

ESPN analyst Jordan Reid has the Bolts trading back to no. 9, the pick that currently belongs to Chicago. There, he forecasts them selecting Brock Bowers, which, assuming that he's still available, would make a lot of sense. 

Contrarily, per Reid, drafting Bowers at no. 5 would be a reach, as he'd be available at no. 9, making it so the Bolts could leave the draft day with some additional future assets, along with their first-round target. 

Ultimately, LA's decision will probably boil down to what teams are willing to give up for the pick. If they receive a sizable offer and believe they'll still select a player that they want at no. 9, it's hard to envision them not trading back. That said, we don't know who they're looking to take at no. 5, as while Bowers may be available later, Alt or Nabers may not be, forcing the Bolts to stand pat.