The Chargers could be drafting their quarterback of the future in this year’s draft. Even though they possess the No. 6 overall selection, it might not be good enough to get their guy.
Therefore, a trade up could be required. I’ve mentioned how Los Angeles might have to take an aggressive approach, and NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah appears to concur.
In Jeremiah’s latest mock draft, he sees the Bolts jumping three spots in order to take former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“I think [the Detroit Lions] trade back to No. 5 or No. 6, I think it’s either the Dolphins or the Chargers [who trade up]. My money is on the Chargers trading up to get this pick and take Tua because I believe the Miami Dolphins have a comfort level with either Herbert or with Tua,” Jeremiah said.
Earlier, Jeremiah said why he believes the Chargers should target Tua.
To some, trading up might not be the most ideal scenario. But when a team is banking on someone being their quarterback for the next decade that means sacrifices might have to be made.
Should the Chargers look to be aggressive and move up a few spots to secure Tua, who they might see as their future face of franchise, how much would it cost them?
History suggests a pretty hefty price might be required.
In 2018, the New York Jets, who had the No. 6 overall selection, traded with the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 3 overall selection. The Jets gave up their 2018 first (No. 6 overall), two 2018 seconds (37th and 49th overall) and a 2019 second-round pick.
Los Angeles doesn’t have two second-round selections this year like the Jets did a couple of years back, which means that it would cost No. 6, No. 37 and most likely an early pick in 2021.
The Bolts could see Oregon’s Justin Herbert or Utah State’s Jordan Love as potential options, too. But if they view one of them as their top option and they fear another quarterback-needy team like the Dolphins, a trade up could still occur.
The bottom line is that it sounds risky to give up picks for one player, but that risk could pay huge dividends in the long run, especially since it’s addressing the most important position on the field.