REPORT: Chargers to receive 3 compensatory picks in 2025 NFL Draft
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has frequently emphasized the importance of compensatory draft picks since joining the team in Los Angeles. After showcasing his creativity in last offseason’s free agency approach, Hortiz is now poised to see the benefits. Nick Korte of Over The Cap recently unveiled his 2025 comp pick projections, offering good news for Chargers fans.
The Chargers are expected to receive additional selections in the fifth, sixth, and seventh rounds. According to Korte’s comp pick formula, these picks are tied to the departures of linebacker Kenneth Murray, tight end Gerald Everett, and cornerback Michael Davis, respectively.
Meanwhile, the departures of running back Austin Ekeler and defensive tackle Austin Johnson are offset by the team’s signings of cornerback Kristian Fulton and running back Gus Edwards.
Chargers projected to receive 3 compensatory picks in 2025 NFL Draft
This development significantly boosts the Chargers’ draft capital heading into the offseason. With the compensatory picks officially awarded in March at the start of the new league year, Los Angeles will have 10 draft selections in 2025.
The last time the Chargers entered the draft with 10 or more picks was in 2004—a memorable year when the team drafted Eli Manning with the first overall pick before trading him due to his refusal to play for the franchise.
Having 10 picks not only provides opportunities to bolster the roster in April but also creates leverage for potential trades. Recently, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler linked the Chargers to a possible trade for DK Metcalf, and the additional draft picks could make such moves more feasible. Unlike last offseason’s financial challenges, the Chargers now have the salary cap flexibility to absorb substantial contracts if needed.
https://twitter.com/alexinsdorf99/status/1881754724279709892?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1881754724279709892%7Ctwgr%5Ee96bd89783c2a02fa14fe52e6cdc7a4e87e7dce1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fboltbeat.com%2Fchargers-projected-to-receive-3-extra-picks-in-2025-nfl-draft
General manager Joe Hortiz places significant value on late-round selections. Last year, the Chargers found starting-caliber players like CB Tarheeb Still and CB Cam Hart in the fifth round, while RB Kimani Vidal, WR Brenden Rice, and WR Cornelius Johnson were valuable late-day-three additions.
With over three months to go until the draft, this compensatory pick news is a positive development for the Hortiz-Harbaugh regime as they continue building the team in their second year together.