Jim Harbaugh
Getty
LA Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh
The Los Angeles Chargers have had numerous injuries to their offensive line this season.
The team has lost two-time Pro Bowl tackle Rashawn Slater to a torn patellar tendon during training camp. Joe Alt is dealing with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 4, with Trey Pipkins sustaining a knee injury in Week 5, keeping both players out for multiple weeks. $20 million signing Mekhi Becton was out during Week 4 due to a concussion.
With the injuries to the O-line, the Bolts are tied for the fifth most sacks allowed this season, with quarterback Justin Herbert having been sacked 17 times through six games and backup QB Trey Lance having been sacked once.
Needing assistance on the offensive front, one NFL analyst reveals his 2026 mock draft to give Herbert some help on the line.
Bolts Predicted To Use 2026 First Round Pick On O-Line
Olaivavega Ioane
GettyPenn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane
Despite the injuries to the offensive line, the Los Angeles Chargers have mustered up a 4-2 record.
Pro Football Focus’s Trevor Sikkema released his latest mock draft after six weeks of the 2025 NFL season. In his 2026 mock draft, Sikkema has the Bolts selecting Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane with the 26th overall pick.
“The one they call “Vega” has been having a fantastic season on Penn State’s interior offensive line in 2025. At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, he’s earned a 76.0 run-blocking grade and a very impressive 92.0 pass-blocking grade,” Sikkema wrote.
“His handwork has really stood out this year. He can dictate contact with a quick and impactful first punch and is also a natural at resetting his hands after pass-rushers attempt to break his grip. He’s been putting out starting-caliber NFL tape.”
According to PFF, Ioane has allowed zero sacks and hits this season for the Nittany Lions, while only allowing one pressure through six games in the college season.
Olaivavega Ioane In Los Angeles
Olaivavega Ioane
GettyOlaivavega Ioane at the 2025 Orange Bowl #71
The Penn State offensive lineman has been playing at left guard this season with the Nittany Lions.
If the Los Angeles Chargers were to take Olaivavega Ioane in the 2026 NFL Draft, it would spell the end of Zion Johnson’s tenure with the organization. Johnson, a former first-round pick in the 2022 draft, hasn’t been playing his best football this season.
The former 17th overall pick has a 51.6 run grade from PFF, 83rd out of 109 qualifying guards in the league. Johnson currently has a 57.5 overall grade, ranking him 60th.
Compared to Ioane, he has a 76.5 run grade and a 90.2 pass grade, with the latter placing him in the top five of college guards. The Nittany Lion has an overall grade of 76.5 in his redshirt junior year.
If the Chargers’ offensive line worries continue the rest of the season, head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman may take a lineman to help protect their franchise quarterback.