Ever since Joe Hortiz stepped foot in the The Bolt as the Chargers’ new general manager, he has spouted about his love for getting the compensatory pick formula rolling as soon as possible. In each of his first three offseasons, that has largely been shown. This offseason specifically, the Chargers had several players go sign sizable contracts elsewhere, providing a nice foundation for the formula heading into 2027.
However, the Charges then went out and made some questionable signings that took those
comp picks away, mainly the addition of offensive guard Cole Strange. Strange signed for $6.5 million per year which washed out one of their comp picks while signing a player many do not believe should be a starter if it wasn’t for him being familiar with Mike McDaniel’s offense system.
Add in the signing of tight end Charlie Kolar at $8.1 million (an objectively-good signing), the Bolts are essentially left with a single comp pick for edge rusher Odafe Oweh who signed for $24 million per year in Washington.
Well, even if it’s just the one pick, NFL.com’s Dan Parr currently projects that selection to come in the third round.
“The Commanders did not spend an early draft pick on an edge rusher, so I’m expecting the highly paid Oweh to play enough snaps to ensure the Bolts are awarded a third-round selection.“
As things stand at this point in the offseason, the Chargers only have five draft picks next year. They traded their 2027 sixth-round pick in exchange for offensive lineman Trevor Penning and their 2027 seventh was used to acquire offensive tackle Austin Deculus before he was cut last summer by the Texans.
However, that’s the same amount of picks they began the 2026 draft with before wheeling and dealing their way to eight used picks by the end of the weekend. I wouldn’t be shocked in the slightest if something similar happened a year from now, especially if they have an extra third (or fourth) to use in the process.
