List of Los Angeles Chargers first-round draft picks explained
The Los Angeles Chargers are an American football franchise who play in the National Football League (NFL). They began play in Los Angeles in 1960 as charter members of the American Football League (AFL),[1] switched cities to San Diego the following season,[2] and returned to Los Angeles in 2017.[3] The AFL was formed as rivals to the established NFL, though the leagues would later merge, with all AFL teams including the Chargers officially joining the NFL in 1970.[4]
Every year during April, each NFL franchise seeks to add new players to its roster through a collegiate draft known as the NFL Player Selection Meeting, which is more commonly known as the NFL draft.[5] [6] The Chargers took part in the rival AFL draft for the first seven years of their existence, meaning that they had to compete for new players' signatures with whichever club had picked them in the NFL draft.[7] Their first draft selection was Monty Stickles, an end from the University of Notre Dame.[8] Unlike all future picks, he was not chosen by the Chargers themselves, but rather assigned in a territorial draft at a meeting of the AFL's original owners.[9] Stickles never played for the Chargers as he chose to sign for the San Francisco 49ers instead; overall, the Chargers were unable to sign their first-round selection four times during their first seven years. After that, the two leagues conducted a common draft, ending the inter-league bidding war.[4] Over a decade later, the original United States Football League (USFL) challenged the NFL by conducting its own collegiate drafts from 1983 to 1986.[10] [11] The Chargers temporarily lost two of their first-round picks (Gary Anderson and Mossy Cade) to USFL clubs, though both joined the NFL in 1985 as the USFL struggled financially.[12]
In the NFL draft, teams are ranked in inverse order based on the previous season's record, with the worst record picking first, and the second worst picking second and so on.[5] Teams have the option of trading away their picks to other teams for different picks, players, or a combination thereof.[5] Thus, it is not uncommon for a team's actual draft pick to differ from their assigned draft pick, or for a team to have extra or no draft picks in any round due to these trades.[5] The Chargers have been without a first-round pick eight times in their history, including six times in seven years from 1994 to 2000. They have possessed two first-round picks on seven different occasions; once, in 1983, they had three such picks.
The Chargers have twice been in possession of the No. 1 overall pick, though in neither case has the player selected played for them. In 2001, they traded the No. 1 pick to the Atlanta Falcons before the draft for three draft picks and one player; the Falcons selected Michael Vick, while the Chargers chose LaDainian Tomlinson with the No. 5 overall pick. In 2004, the projected No. 1 pick, Eli Manning, stated that he would not play in San Diego. The Chargers still selected him, but quickly traded the player to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers (who the Giants had just drafted at No. 4 overall) and three draft picks, one of which was used to select Shawne Merriman in the first round the following season.
Twenty-four of the Chargers's first round selections have been nominated for at least one Pro Bowl or AFL All-Star game; Junior Seau has the most such nominations, with twelve. Three have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Kellen Winslow, Seau and LaDainian Tomlinson.
The team's most recent first-round pick was Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame selected No. 5 overall in 2024. They have chosen 33 defensive players in the first round, and 32 offensive players; defensive linemen have been the most common position, with 13 selected. Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas, TCU and Notre Dame are tied for the most players chosen by the Chargers from one university, with three selections each.
Player selections
Key |
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^ | Indicates the player was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
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† | Indicates the player was selected for the Pro Bowl or AFL All-Star game at any time in their career |
| Selected number one overall |
‡ | Current Charger: statistics correct through 2022 season |
— | The Chargers did not draft a player in the first round that year. |
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Year | Each year links to an article about that particular NFL Draft. |
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Pick | Indicates the number of the pick within the first round |
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Position | Indicates the position of the player in the NFL |
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College | The player's college football team |
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Seasons | The number of seasons in which the player had at least one appearance for the Chargers |
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Pro Bowls | The number of seasons in which the player was voted to the Pro Bowl or AFL All-Star game as a Charger |
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Games | Regular season games in which the player appeared for the Chargers |
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Starts | Regular season games in which the player started for the Chargers | |
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Breakdowns
Notes and References
- News: Houston Next Hurdle for Chargers . Cal . Whorton . IV-3 . . August 8, 1960 . August 3, 2022 . April 29, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210429095408/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76213648/titans-7-27-chargers-8th-aug-60/ . live .
- News: San Diego Officially Owns Charger Eleven . UPI . 8 . . 11 February 1961 . 9 May 2022 . 19 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210519225322/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/77991296/san-diego-official-11-feb-1961/ . live .
- News: Beacham . Greg . Chargers open camp with hopes of support . AP . B2 . . 31 July 2017 . 9 May 2022 . 9 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220509225118/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101541827/chargers-move-31-july-2017/ . live .
- Here's how it happened . . Schramm . Tex . June 20, 1966 . 14 . 9 May 2022 . 27 April 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190427043057/https://www.si.com/vault/1966/06/20/608557/heres-how-it-happened . live .
- Web site: The rules of the draft . . 9 May 2022 . 1 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231101040705/https://operations.nfl.com/journey-to-the-nfl/the-nfl-draft/the-rules-of-the-draft/ . live .
- Web site: Breech . John . Bold predictions for the NFL Draft, plus best bets for first round and a final mock draft . . 28 April 2022 . August 3, 2022 . August 3, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220803003420/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bold-predictions-for-the-nfl-draft-plus-best-bets-for-first-round-and-a-final-mock-draft/ . live .
- News: NFL has AFL ready for kill . Lewis . Dave . B-1 . . 31 December 1960 . 9 May 2022 . 21 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210521211815/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78102233/billy-kilmer-31-december-1960/ . live .
News: NFL takes big lead in AFL draft battle . . 14 December 1963 . 9 May 2022 . 9 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220509232233/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86008118/nfl-vs-afl-14-dec-1963/ . live .
News: Alworth signs with Chargers under goal posts . UPI . Escondido Times-Advocate . 11 . January 2, 1962 . May 9, 2022 . June 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202642/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79872768/alworth-49ers-2-jan-1962/ . live .
- News: Territorial Draft . IV-4 . Los Angeles Times . 23 November 1959 . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501003827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76272090/territorial-draft-23-nov-1959/ . live .
- Web site: The AFL's first draft . Pro Football Hall of Fame . August 3, 2022 . October 28, 2009 . August 3, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220803001231/https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2009/10/news-the-afl-s-first-draft/ . live .
- News: This draft not like NFL version . Press reports . B1 . . January 3, 1983 . May 9, 2022 . May 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220509232232/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101547125/usfl-draft-3-jan-1983/ . live .
- News: Tuesday's USFL draft is anticlimactic . AP . 6C . . 4 May 1986 . 10 May 2022 . 10 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220510000358/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101550248/usfl-draft-4-may-1986/ . live .
- News: Goldberg . Dave . NFL is taking advantage of USFL's financial woes . AP . D5 . . 21 July 1985 . 10 May 2022 . 10 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220510000357/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101551160/usfl-finances-21-jul-1985/ . live .
- Web site: Monty Stickles stats . . April 28, 2022 . April 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428235632/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SticMo00.htm . live .
- News: Territorial Draft . . November 23, 1959 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501003827/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76272090/territorial-draft-23-nov-1959/ . live .
- News: Blow at Hunt's AFL Citadel . Los Angeles Times . December 2, 1959 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501003828/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76279433/monty-stickles-49ers-2nd-dec-1959/ . live .
- Web site: Earl Faison stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 30 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210730203007/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FaisEa00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers sign Faison, Lincoln . AP . 4-C . . January 2, 1961 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501004549/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100792271/faison-signed-2-jan-1961/ . live .
- Web site: Bob Ferguson stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2022 . June 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200601160800/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FergBo00.htm . live .
- News: Livingston . Pat . Luck helped Steelers nab Bob Ferguson . 40 . . December 12, 1961 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501005559/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100792748/ferguson-to-steelers-12-dec-1961/ . live .
- Web site: Walt Sweeney stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2022 . August 20, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210820210934/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SweeWa00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers nip Browns, sign Orange end . C-2 . . December 9, 1962 . May 1, 2022 . August 20, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210820201702/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83817520/sweeney-signs-9-dec-1962/ . live .
- Web site: Ted Davis stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2022 . April 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428235628/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviTe20.htm . live .
- News: NFL out front in race to sign grid stars . . January 12, 1963 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501010238/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86009811/nfl-vs-afl-ii-12-jan-1964/ . live .
- Web site: Steve DeLong stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2022 . April 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428235628/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviTe20.htm . live .
- News: Rathet . Mike . AFL Chargers ink Steve DeLong . AP . 9 . . December 2, 1964 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501161940/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100822766/delong-signs-2-dec-1964/ . live .
- Web site: Don Davis stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2022 . May 18, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190518060655/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviDo21.htm . live .
- News: NFL teams beat San Diego to first three draft choices . AP . 34 . . December 17, 1965 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501180027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100828686/davis-to-giants-17-dec-1965/ . live .
- Web site: Ron Billingsley stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2022 . March 29, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190329225508/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BillRo20.htm . live .
- News: Chargers sign Wyoming star . UPI . 12 . . March 16, 1967 . May 1, 2022 . May 1, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501181823/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100829710/billingsley-signs-16-mar-1967/ . live .
- Web site: Russ Washington stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001136/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WashRu00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers send Steve Tensi to Denver . AP . 6-B . . 16 August 1967 . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501191934/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100833794/tensi-trade-16-aug-1967/ . live .
- News: Gillman likes new Charger . UPI . . 20 May 1968 . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501194809/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100835914/washington-in-20-may-1968/ . live .
- Web site: Jim Hill stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 28 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428235629/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillJi21.htm . live .
- News: Chargers sign Hill . AP . 17 . . 15 April 1968 . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501194808/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100834952/hill-signs-15-april-1968/ . live .
- Web site: Marty Domres stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 28 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428235628/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DomrMa00.htm . live .
- News: Beck . Charlie . Calling all sports . 21 . . 29 January 1969 . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501204600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100840077/domres-drafted-29-jan-1969/ . live .
- Web site: Bob Babich stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 20 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120162348/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BabiBo20.htm . live .
- News: California teams bolster ranks in draft selections . AP and UPI . 3-D . Fresno Bee . 29 January 1969 . 1 May 2022 . 1 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220501205251/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100840854/two-picks-29-jan-1969/ . live .
- Web site: Walker Gillette stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 20 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120162454/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GillWa00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers draft Richmond star . AP . 1C . . 28 January 1970 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502002306/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100853997/gillette-drafted-28-jan-1970/ . live .
- Web site: Leon Burns stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BurnLe00.htm . live .
- News: Complete football draft . UPI . 22 . . 30 January 1971 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502002307/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100854515/chargers-draft-30-jan-1971/ . live .
- Web site: Pack Sends Kevin Hardy To Chargers . . 24 June 1971 . 21 August 2018 . 21 August 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093831/https://newspaperarchive.com/playground-daily-news-jun-24-1971-p-21/ . live .
- Web site: Johnny Rodgers stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001139/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RodgJo00.htm . live .
- News: Eagles trade Rossovich . 58 . . 1 August 1972 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502010357/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100857313/rossovich-trade-1-aug-1972/ . live .
- News: Chargers trade Marty Domres . AP . 15 . . 8 August 1972 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502010358/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100857885/domres-traded-8-august-1972/ . live .
- News: Chargers pick Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers . AP . 10 . . 31 January 1973 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502224940/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100912728/rodgers-drafted-31-jan-1973/ . live .
- News: Johnny Rodgers signs with Canadian Football League . St. Joseph Gazette . AP . May 25, 1973 . 2B . September 11, 2023 . November 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120162456/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-joseph-gazette-johnny-rogers-to-cana/131635474/ . live .
- News: Chargers may get Rodgers . Corpus Christi Times . January 3, 1977 . 13A . September 11, 2023 . November 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120162358/https://www.newspapers.com/article/corpus-christi-times-rodgers-to-chargers/131636619/ . live .
- Web site: Bo Matthews stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001144/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MattBo00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers go for fullback as 1st choice . A-10 . Escondido Times-Advocate . 29 January 1974 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502161702/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100875818/matthews-drafted-29-jan-1974/ . live .
- Web site: Don Goode stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GoodDo20.htm . live .
- News: Lindsey retires; Browns acquire Bob Babich . UPI . 13 . . 6 September 1973 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502162125/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100877438/babich-trade-6-sep-1973/ . live .
- News: NFL signs Goode . UPI . 10 . . 26 February 1974 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502223242/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100911633/goode-signed-26-feb-1974/ . live .
- Web site: Gary Johnson stats . pro-football-reference.com . 28 April 2022 . 9 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230409092430/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnGa00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers go all out for defense . Escondido Times-Advocate . 29 January 1975 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502222621/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/84605231/draft-i-29-jan-1975/ . live .
- Web site: Mike Williams stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001153/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillMi23.htm . live .
- News: Duane Thomas' 'career' ends . AP . 6 . Great Bend Tribune . 20 July 1975 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502222621/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100911084/duane-thomas-trade-20-july-1973/ . live .
- Web site: Joe Washington stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 20 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120162400/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WashJo00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers delighted with draft . Escondido Times-Advocate . 9 April 1976 . 2 May 2022 . 23 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211223012733/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90900218/chargers-draft-9-april-1976/ . live .
- Web site: Bob Rush stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201129174817/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RushBo20.htm . live .
- News: Clint Longley happy over San Diego deal . AP . 34 . . 1 September 1976 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502234424/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100916123/longley-trade-1-sep-1976/ . live .
Web site: 1977 NFL draft pick transactions . Pro Sports Transactions . 3 May 2022 . 13 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220513204352/https://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Years/1977.htm . live .
- News: Washer . Gene . Sports editor . 17 . . 4 May 1977 . 2 May 2022 . 20 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231120162351/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-rush-drafted-4-may-1/100913849/ . live .
- Web site: John Jefferson stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 30 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140330152930/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JeffJo00.htm . live .
- News: Distel . Dave . Chargers top draft choice is confident man . Los Angeles Times . III-1 . 3 May 1978 . 2 May 2022 . 15 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220415040217/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93841823/jefferson-drafted-3-may-1978/ . live .
- Web site: Kellen Winslow stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 21 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111017/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WinsKe00.htm . live .
- News: Distel . Dave . Fast deal made with the Browns . III-1, III-8 . Los Angeles Times . 4 May 1979 . 2 May 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502233053/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100914830/winslow-drafted-4-may-1979/ . live .
- News: Packers trade Willie Buchanon . AP . 20 . . 26 April 1979 . 3 May 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503222521/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100974017/buchanon-trade-26-april-1979/ . live .
- Web site: James Brooks stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001210/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrooJa00.htm . live .
- News: Maffei . John . Chargers tab return specialist in first round . D-2 . Escondido Times-Advocate . 28 April 1981 . 3 May 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503224534/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100975013/brooks-drafted-28-april-1981/ . live .
- News: Packers get John Jefferson . AP . 20 . . 18 September 1981 . 3 May 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503234236/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100977831/jefferson-trade-18-sep-1981/ . live .
Web site: 1982 NFL draft pick transactions . Pro Sports Transactions . 4 May 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503234240/https://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Years/1982.htm . live .
- News: Saints trade Chandler . AP . 1D . . 30 September 1981 . 3 May 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503234237/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/100978699/chandler-trade-30-sep-1981/ . live .
- Web site: Billy Ray Smith stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001158/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitBi22.htm . live .
- News: San Diego's Fred Dean traded to San Francisco . Post Wire Services . D6 . . 3 October 1983 . 4 May 2022 . 4 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220504222645/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101035579/dean-trade-3-oct-1981/ . live .
- Web site: Gary Anderson stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001201/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AndeGa00.htm . live .
- News: Distel . Dave . Argovitz the bandit, Chargers say . Los Angeles Times Service . C-3 . Pittsburgh Press . 10 May 1983 . 4 May 2022 . 4 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220504232322/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101037983/anderson-to-usfl-10-may-1983/ . live .
- News: Chargers finally sign Gary Anderson . AP . 2-B . . 1 October 1985 . 4 May 2022 . 4 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220504232321/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101038929/anderson-to-chargers-1-oct-1985/ . live .
- Web site: Gill Byrd stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001214/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ByrdGi00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers, 49ers swap picks . UPI . D-3 . . 23 April 1983 . 4 May 2022 . 4 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220504235231/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101039927/charger-49ers-trade-23-april-1983/ . live .
- News: Byrd . Jerry . Baltimore Dolts . 1-C . . 27 April 1983 . 4 May 2022 . 4 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220504235232/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101040604/three-picks-27-april-1983/ . live .
- Web site: Mossy Cade stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001140/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CadeMo20.htm . live .
- News: Cade joins USFL Showboats . AP . G12 . . 4 October 1984 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505200849/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101092999/cade-to-usfl-4-oct-1984/ . live .
- News: Packers acquire Mossy Cade . AP . 13 . Stevens Point Journal . 6 September 1985 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505200848/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101095135/cade-to-packers-6-sep-1985/ . live .
Web site: 1986 NFL draft pick transactions . Pro Sports Transactions . 5 May 2022 . 26 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220126180928/http://prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Years/1986.htm . live .
- Web site: Jim Lachey stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001208/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LachJi00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers sign top draft pick . AP . C-4 . . 29 July 1985 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505203147/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101098532/lachey-signs-29-july-1985/ . live .
- Web site: Leslie O'Neal stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 20 August 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130820044531/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/O/ONeaLe00.htm . live .
- News: A real deal . AP . 21 . . 29 April 1986 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505211303/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101101383/chargers-vikings-trade-29-april-1986/ . live .
- News: Distel . Dave . No need to explain and defend Chargers' first round pick . III-1, III-8, III-9 . Los Angeles Times . 30 April 1986 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505211302/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101102955/two-picks-30-april-1986/ . live .
- Web site: James FitzPatrick stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001142/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzJa21.htm . live .
- Web site: Rod Bernstine stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001203/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BernRo00.htm . live .
- News: Posner . Jay . Even Spanos is happy with draft . D1, D2 . Escondido Times-Advocate . 29 April 1987 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505222028/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101109665/banks-trade-29-april-1987/ . live .
- Web site: Anthony Miller stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 17 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220417055810/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MillAn00.htm . live .
- News: Posner . Jay . A quick look at the Chargers' early picks . C2 . Escondido Times-Advocate . 25 April 1988 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505231422/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101112911/miller-drafted-25-april-1988/ . live .
- Web site: Burt Grossman stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001140/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrosBu20.htm . live .
- News: Chargers land Pitt's Grossman . AP . C2 . . 24 April 1989 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505231421/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101113881/grossman-drafted-24-april-1989/ . live .
- Web site: Junior Seau stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 21 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SeauJu00.htm . live .
- News: Oceanside High grad made county's highest draftee ever . Ooley . Geoffrey . C-1, C-3 . . 23 April 1990 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505231424/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/78634030/seau-drafted-i-23-april-1990/ . live .
- Web site: Stanley Richard stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001202/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RichSt20.htm . live .
- News: Richard finally signs with Chargers . North County Times . 4 August 1991 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505231423/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81362314/richard-signs-4-august-1991/ . live .
- Web site: Chris Mims stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001201/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MimsCh20.htm . live .
- News: Free safety Richard taken first . North County Times . C-1, C-6 . 22 April 1991 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505233751/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81360526/1991-draft-22-april-1991/ . live .
- News: Oilers swap first-rounder, receiver . North County Times . C-1, C-2 . 23 August 1991 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505233753/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81372585/williams-traded-23-august-1991/ . live .
- News: Vols' defensive end is top pick . North County Times . C-1, C-8 . 27 April 1992 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505233754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82614033/chargers-draft-mims-27-april-1992/ . live .
- Web site: Darrien Gordon stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001213/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GordDa20.htm . live .
- News: Glauber . Bill . NFL draft analysis: rating the teams . C6 . Austin American-Statesman . 28 April 1993 . 5 May 2022 . 5 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220505235401/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101118080/means-and-gordon-28-apr-1993/ . live .
News: Team-by-team NFL draft analysis . B-3 . . 26 April 1993 . 6 May 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506000754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101119582/draft-review-26-april-1993/ . live .
- News: Ooley . Geoffrey . No surprise: Beathard surprises . C1, C4 . Escondido Times-Advocate . 23 April 1995 . 6 May 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506201531/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101194255/two-trades-23-april-1995/ . live .
- News: Paris . Jay . Beathard's apparent No. 1 rule: no No.1 draft picks . C-8 . North County Times . 21 April 1996 . 6 May 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506201529/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101195846/still-trade-21-april-1996/ . live .
- Web site: Ryan Leaf stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 4 September 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110904025626/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LeafRy00.htm . live .
- News: Story . Paula . Chargers get Cards' draft pick . AP . C1 . . 13 March 1998 . 6 May 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506213050/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101202711/leaf-trade-13-mar-1998/ . live .
- News: QBs, DBs dominate deep draft . AP . 4B . . 20 April 1998 . 6 May 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506213051/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101204856/leaf-drafted-20-april-1998/ . live .
- News: Sullivan . Mike . Beathard still dealing . C-1, C-2 . North County Times . 19 April 1998 . 6 May 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506220839/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101209330/ricks-trade-19-april-1998/ . live .
- Web site: LaDainian Tomlinson stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 8 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230508105539/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TomlLa00.htm . live .
- News: Norwood . Robyn . Chargers quite cool with Brees . Los Angeles Times . C-4 . . 22 April 2001 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507002051/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101222974/tomlinson-draft-22-apr-2001/ . live .
- Web site: Quentin Jammer stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001200/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JammQu20.htm . live .
- News: Wilson . Bernie . Chargers pick Texas star CB Jammer with fifth pick . C7 . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 21 April 2002 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507133049/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101262861/jammer-drafted-21-april-2002/ . live .
- Web site: Sammy Davis stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001207/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviSa21.htm . live .
- News: Brookover . Bob . What were they thinking? . D19 . . 27 April 2003 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507133048/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101264502/davis-trade-27-april-2003/ . live .
- Web site: Eli Manning stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 2 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220502191743/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannEl00.htm . live .
- News: QB drama highlights day . Chicago Tribune . C5 . Victorville Press Dispatch . 25 April 2004 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507135701/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101265958/manning-trade-25-april-2004/ . live .
- Web site: Shawne Merriman stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 15 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230315195831/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MerrSh99.htm . live .
- News: Thomas . Jim . Grading the NFL draft . C4 . . 1 May 2005 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507144809/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101270420/two-drafted-1-may-2005/ . live .
- Web site: Luis Castillo stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001149/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CastLu20.htm . live .
- Web site: Antonio Cromartie stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 9 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230709181306/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CromAn20.htm . live .
- News: Wilson . Bernie . Chargers tab CB Cromartie . C6 . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 30 April 2006 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507153631/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101271886/cromartie-drafted-30-apr-2006/ . live .
- Web site: Craig Davis stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001159/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DaviCr00.htm . live .
- News: Wilson . Bernie . Turner still with San Diego . AP . C8 . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 29 April 2007 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507153632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101273658/davis-drafted-29-april-2007/ . live .
- Web site: Antoine Cason stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001205/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CasoAn99.htm . live .
- News: Wilson . Bernie . Chargers take Arizona CB Cason with 27th pick . AP . S6 . . 27 April 2008 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507153630/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101275014/cason-drafted-27-april-2008/ . live .
- Web site: Larry English stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001213/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EnglLa99.htm . live .
- News: Wilson . Bernie . San Diego picks a linebacker from Northern Illinois . AP . S3 . San Luis Obispo Tribune . 26 April 2009 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507164323/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101281611/english-drafted-26-apr-2009/ . live .
- Web site: Ryan Mathews stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001206/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MathRy00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers give up bounty for Fresno State RB Mathews . AP . 4B . Visalia Times-Delta . 23 April 2010 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507171655/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101284961/mathews-drafted-23-april-2010/ . live .
- Web site: Corey Liuget stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001148/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LiugCo00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers, first-rounder Liuget agree . AP . C6 . Fresno Bee . 5 August 2011 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507175419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101288657/liuget-signs-5-aug-2011/ . live .
- Web site: Melvin Ingram stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503183143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/I/IngrMe00.htm . live .
- News: Wilson . Bernie . Chargers select defensive end Ingram to play linebacker . AP . C2 . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 27 April 2012 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507200605/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101303638/ingram-drafted-27-april-2012/ . live .
- Web site: D.J. Fluker stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001147/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FlukDJ00.htm . live .
- News: Raiders, 49ers beef up secondaries . AP . C7 . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 26 April 2013 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507202634/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101304574/fluker-drafted-26-april-2013/ . live .
- Web site: Jason Verrett stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001212/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/V/VerrJa00.htm . live .
- News: Falcons pick A&M tackle . AP . 7C . Fort Worth Star-Telegram . 9 May 2014 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507202634/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101306092/verrett-drafted-9-may-2014/ . live .
- Web site: Melvin Gordon stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 9 February 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209062046/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GordMe00.htm . live .
- News: Wilner . Barry . Winston, Mariota go 1-2 in NFL draft . AP . D4 . Santa Maria Times . 1 May 2015 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507213947/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101315283/gordon-drafted-1-may-2015/ . live .
- Web site: Joey Bosa stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 3 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220503183212/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BosaJo00.htm . live .
- News: Chargers take Ohio State's Bosa . AP . 5B . Visalia Times-Delta . 29 April 2016 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507220830/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101318696/bosa-drafted-29-april-2016/ . live .
- Web site: Mike Williams stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001155/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillMi07.htm . live .
- News: Woike . Dan . Chargers' surprising choice at No. 7 is Clemson's Williams . D1, D5 . Los Angeles Times . 28 April 2017 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507222350/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101319992/williams-drafted-28-april-2017/ . live .
- Web site: Derwin James stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 6 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220506050930/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JameDe00.htm . live .
- News: Beacham . Greg . LA Chargers grab safety Derwin James in first round . AP . 5C . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 27 April 2018 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507224701/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101323084/james-drafted-27-april-2018/ . live .
- Web site: Jerry Tillery stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001200/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TillJe00.htm . live .
- News: Miller . Jeff . Tillery eager to start his 'dream job' . D6 . Los Angeles Times . 27 April 2019 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507225836/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101324210/tillery-drafted-27-april-2019/ . live .
- Web site: Justin Herbert stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429015003/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HerbJu00.htm . live .
- News: Reedy . Joe . Chargers won't put pressure on Herbert to start immediately . AP . 2B . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 26 April 2020 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507231505/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101325862/herbert-drafted-26-apr-2020/ . live .
- Web site: Kenneth Murray stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429001148/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MurrKe00.htm . live .
- Web site: Rashawn Slater stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 23 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220423123531/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SlatRa00.htm . live .
- News: Reedy . Joe . Chargers continue rebuilding offensive line through draft . AP . 2B . Palm Springs Desert Sun . 4 May 2021 . 7 May 2022 . 7 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507232533/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101327005/slater-drafted-4-may-2021/ . live .
- Web site: Zion Johnson stats . pro-football-reference.com . 29 April 2022 . 29 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220429191444/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnZi00.htm . live .
- Web site: Zion Johnson reveals inside info on journey to become Chargers' new starting guard . Los Angeles Times . 30 April 2022 . 8 May 2022 . 2022-05-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220507233554/https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2022-04-29/zion-johnson-reveals-inside-info-chargers-new-starting-guard . live .
- Web site: Quentin Johnston stats . pro-football-reference.com . April 28, 2023 . April 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230428211851/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnQu02.htm . live .
- Web site: Chargers Draft Quentin Johnston with 21st Overall Pick. April 27, 2023. chargers.com. April 28, 2023. April 28, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230428025522/https://www.chargers.com/news/quentin-johnston-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-tcu. live.