Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
Getty
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers stands on the sideline during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Santa Clara, California.
Following the first wave of free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers will now turn most of their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Chargers have added some key free agents, but still have some needs to address throughout their roster. They own five total picks in this year’s draft, including the No. 22 overall selection in the first round. According to recent mock draft trends, it’s becoming clear what positions Los Angeles will be prioritizing to round out its roster.
Los Angeles Chargers Likely to Select Either an Offensive or Defensive Lineman at No. 22 Overall in 2026 NFL Draft
Spencer Fano, Los Angeles Rams
GettyUtah OL Spencer Fano
Most would agree that offensive and defensive line are the Chargers’ most pressing needs. There are several recent mock drafts that feature Los Angeles using its first-round pick on one of those two positions. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s predicted that the Chargers will select Penn State OL Olaivavega Ioane:
“The Chargers thank their lucky stars that their need on the interior matches up with the best player still available. Ioane would be their most talented guard.”
ESPN’ Mel Kiper Jr. went to the other side of the ball, mocking Clemson DL Peter Woods to Los Angeles:
“After the Chargers attacked their interior offensive line problem before free agency even opened, they can turn their attention to the defensive line and a high-upside player such as Woods in the first round. Some teams will be worried about his lack of production last season (two sacks), but his potential is robust as an NFL 3-technique. He could add some punch to the Chargers’ defensive front as a penetrating interior havoc-wreaker.”
“The Chargers wouldn’t be thrilled to see Ioane go one pick before they are on the clock, but Utah’s Fano is a perfectly good option. With tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back from injuries, Fano would kick inside to guard. He earned an 80.0-plus PFF grade in run blocking and pass protection in 2025, making him one of 12 FBS offensive linemen to do so.”
“Kayden McDonald at this stage may feel a little rich to some people, but he’s a perfect fit for Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers do a great job of uplifting the talent on the roster, but there are question marks moving forward now that Jesse Minter is no longer there to shepherd the unit. They can find blue-chip players to ensure it’s more than a mirage and create stability for that group.”
Other Chargers Draft Needs
Derwin James Jr.
GettyChargers S Derwin James
Los Angeles could use upgrades among its crop of defensive backs, both at safety and cornerback. Yes, it has All-Pro safety Derwin James, but he plays a lot of nickel cornerback. The Chargers also brought back Tony Jefferson on a one-year deal, but need a young guy to develop at the position for the future.
As for as cornerback goes, the Chargers lost Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, and have no other corners under contract beyond the 2026 season. If they don’t go offensive or defensive line with their first-round pick, corner could be the way they go. However, this year’s draft class is deep at the position, so Los Angeles may benefit from waiting until the mid rounds to snag one.