Didn’t feel like digging up previous Popper Hopper threads so starting fresh for the offseason.
Lotta coach/GM speak here but some insights too. While I agree that some candidates (McDaniels initially comes to mind) may not be a fit for Harbaugh’s vision, I also am still surprised at how quickly Roman and Devlin were fired. That’s an indication, IMO, of far more awareness, willingness, and ability to adapt and examine than I was giving Harbaugh. I had not withdrawn support but the Roman situation had me watching with a critical eye.
This offseason is, IMO, the one to really watch. The team has dug out from cap hell. They’ve done a reasonably good job of building depth and retaining key players. Now to address a few key deficiencies (IOL, #1 CB, punter, perhaps a big WR?), get a good match at OC for Herbert etc., and keep our defense performing at a high level, with or without Minter.
The right partner/compensation is always the rub, especially when the draft is weak in 1st round talent.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7176687/2026/04/07/chargers-nfl-draft-trade-first-round/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
Would love the Simpson hype to gain steam. Maybe somebody wants to trade back into Rd1 for him like the Giants did for Dart last year?
Of course it always matters how the board falls but that’s about the only realistic way I see it happening. Maybe the Jets trade back into the first with 2.33 and change? But they already have 2 firsts so maybe not. The Cards at 2.34 or Titans at 2.35? I think somewhere between 2.33 and 2.38 is probably a sweet spot for our needs and we could likely get another 3rd and a late rounder or a couple of earlier Day 3’s. I’m spitballing here, haven’t looked at the value chart.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7161396/2026/03/31/jim-harbaugh-chargers-league-meeting-2026/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7147624/2026/03/26/chargers-nfl-draft-big-board-day-2/?source=athletic_freeweeklyemail&campaign=602288&userId=12566676
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7082245/2026/03/03/chargers-2026-nfl-draft-first-round-big-board/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7056606/2026/02/23/nfl-free-agency-rankings-2026-positions/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
Five Chargers questions I will be looking to answer at the combine – The Athletic https://share.google/L7qZFxXnyk5Wix0Xb
Good article about our new DC. I feel confident about this hire.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7019859/2026/02/03/chargers-chris-oleary-jesse-minter-coaching-tree/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
Hell yes we should be excited!!!
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6992884/2026/01/26/mike-mcdaniel-hired-chargers-scheme-film-justin-herbert/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
Jesse Minter leaves Chargers: 8 candidates to replace him as defensive coordinator – The Athletic
https://share.google/VdqBWo90kPpReL9sm
I’m shocked. Love it but shocked.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6987350/2026/01/20/chargers-hire-mike-mcdaniel-offensive-coordinator/?campaign=16556248&source=athletic_breaking_targeted_email&userId=12566676
Buck,
Seeing the Popper Hopper thread back makes me happy. Welcome back my friend.
I have always said this team was 3 off seasons away from being a serious SB contender, so this is the year to really sharpen the roster and staff to open a serious SB window,
Thx Erick. Yes, you and I have been in agreement about a realistic timeline. I think we all hoped ( expected? at the least wanted) postseason improvement this year but no bueno. I want to see moves made that align vision with roster and staff composition with particular emphasis on improving the IOL. I’m going to make the assumption that we get both stud tackles back healthy for 26.
I think this is right. However, its super frustrating that they wasted 2 years with Roman. With the mediocrity in the AFC, the Chargers had a real chance to make the super bowl this year. Instead, it was another year of Herbert taking a beating.
Similar to dog years, playing QB in a Greg Roman offense ages the player in multiples. The last 2 years likely cost Justin 5 years of his career.