🏈 Chargers NFL Draft Predictions 2026: Expert Mock Draft Picks, Team Needs, Best Fits & More
Despite back-to-back playoff appearances under Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers keep running into the same problem: an offensive line that can't protect Justin Herbert when it matters most. With the No. 22 pick, the Chargers are looking to fix that while also restocking a defensive front that could lose all three starting edge rushers after the 2026 season.
As part of our NFL draft predictions for every team, we break down the Chargers' full draft picks, biggest team needs, ideal prospect fits, mock draft projections, and our prediction for which player Los Angeles will draft in the first round, which begins tonight at 8 p.m. ET live on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
📊 Chargers draft picks 2026
See where the Chargers rank by the latest Super Bowl odds for every team.
| Round | Pick(s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | No. 22 |
| 2 | No. 55 |
| 3 | No. 86 |
| 4 | No. 123 |
| 5 | No pick |
| 6 | No. 204 |
| 7 | No. 238 |
🆘 Chargers team needs entering draft
We break down every team's projected NFL win totals with our best Over/Under picks by division.
- Team needs: OL, DL, DB, EDGE, WR
- Key additions: Dalvin Tomlinson (DT), Cole Strange (OG), Alec Ingold (FB), Keaton Mitchell (RB)
- Key departures: Keenan Allen (WR), Zion Johnson (OG, Browns), Jamaree Salyer (OG, Dolphins), Tyler Biadasz (C, from Commanders), Odafe Oweh (EDGE, Commanders)
The Chargers gave up 60 sacks last season - tied for second-most in the NFL - then lost three offensive linemen in the offseason. That remains a primary concern and the theme of Herbert's career to this point. Losing Oweh makes it tougher to rush the passer, too, and edge remains a major target long term with Tuipulotu, Mack, and Dupree all on expiring deals.
🏈 Chargers draft prospect fits
I asked NFL draft expert Rob Paul to pick the Chargers' best prospect fit in a dream scenario, their safest pick, and their best upside pick tonight:
| Pick type | No. 22 pick | Grade | Paul's take |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌟 Dream pick | Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State | 7.25 | If Ioane falls because of positional value, the Chargers need to sprint to the podium to select him because he's exactly what they need on their offensive line as a plug-and-play mauler in the run game and steady pass protector |
| 🛡️ Safe pick | Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State | 7.15 | Not only does Johnson come from where the Chargers used to play, but he could compete to be the No. 1 corner for Jim Harbaugh's team as a rookie with his combo of technically sound footwork and cover instincts |
| 🚀 Upside pick | Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn | 7.05 | One of the most polarizing players in the class (he could go as high as 11), Faulk lacked production at Auburn but is a massive and athletic defensive lineman who can play everything from stand-up edge to 3-tech on passing downs |
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📝 Chargers mock draft consensus picks
I went through the final mock drafts from 10 top experts across the industry and gathered their NFL mock draft consensus picks for the Los Angeles Chargers' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here's who they expect Los to draft:
| Expert | Pick |
|---|---|
| Mel Kiper (ESPN) | Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (No. 22) |
| Peter Schrager (ESPN) | Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (No. 22) |
| Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) | Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (No. 22) |
| Lance Zierlein (NFL.com) | Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (No. 22) |
| Todd McShay (The Ringer) | Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State (No. 22) |
| Dane Brugler (The Athletic) | Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M (No. 22) |
| Mike Renner (CBS Sports) | Peter Woods, DL, Clemson (No. 22) |
| Tice & McDonald (Yahoo) | Peter Woods, DL, Clemson (No. 22) |
| Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated) | Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (No. 22) |
| Rob Paul (Sportsbook Review) | Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (No. 22) |
🎯 Chargers first position drafted
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The Chargers gave up 60 sacks last season and need help all over the roster, from the offensive line to the interior defensive line to the secondary. This is one of the hardest picks in the draft to project because Los Angeles has so many directions it could go, but the market seems to buy into the idea of a lineman here to help protect Justin Herbert.
I broke down the latest NFL draft position odds for all 32 teams ahead of the first round.
🔮 Chargers draft prediction 2026
See Rob Paul's expert NFL mock draft for projections and analysis of all 32 first-round picks.
Paul's pick at No. 22: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Pro comparison: Denzel Ward
- Measurables: 6'1" | 188 lbs | 20 years old | RAS: 9.67
If Jim Harbaugh is going to have the Los Angeles Chargers contending in an AFC West that's loaded with QBs, LA needs to add to its secondary. It's difficult to gauge Jermod McCoy's stock as he comes off a torn ACL. Rumors have increased as of late that the top 15 talent could slide, but Chargers GM Joe Hortiz could end that slide and buy low on a borderline blue-chip talent. When healthy, McCoy looks like a future Pro Bowler with his ability to mirror and match receivers in man coverage.
🏈 NFL draft predictions by team
See the live NFL draft odds for the top picks from the best NFL betting sites.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, I broke down every team's full draft capital, their biggest needs and ideal prospect fits, the latest mock draft consensus from industry experts, and our draft prediction for their first pick this week:
AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots
AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers
AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans
AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders
NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants
NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings
NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints
NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks
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