🏈 Chargers NFL Draft Predictions 2026: Mock Draft Picks, Best Prospect Fits, Team Needs & 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 Thursday 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 for Thursday:
| 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 |
More scouting reports & player profiles
➡️ Arvell Reese draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds
➡️ Jeremiyah Love draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds
➡️ Carnell Tate draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds
➡️ Jordyn Tyson draft profile: Scouting report, team prediction & draft odds
📝 Chargers mock draft consensus picks
I went through the latest mock drafts from other top experts across the industry and gathered their predictions for the Chargers' first pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Here's who they expect Los Angeles to draft at No. 22:
| Source | Pick |
|---|---|
| Mel Kiper (ESPN) | Peter Woods, DT, Clemson |
| Chad Reuter (NFL.com) | Peter Woods, DT, Clemson |
| Mike Renner (CBS) | TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson |
| Todd McShay (The Ringer) | Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State |
| Dane Brugler (The Athletic) | Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami |
| Nate Tice (Yahoo) | TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson |
Clemson prospects dominate the projections for the Chargers, with Peter Woods (Kiper and Reuter) and TJ Parker (Renner and McDonald) appearing twice each. McShay keeps it local with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson - who is also Paul's safe pick - while Brugler goes edge rusher with Miami's Akheem Mesidor. Paul's dream scenario has Ioane falling to No. 22, but his actual mock has the Chargers going in a different direction.
🔮 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: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
- Pro comparison: Jaire Alexander
- Measurables: 6'0" | 193 lbs | 21 years old | RAS: 9.84
The first non-P4 player off the board in this mock hails from where the Los Angeles Chargers used to play. Chris Johnson was among the most underrated prospects about a month ago, but now it seems everyone believes he's going Round 1, and rightfully so. The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year is the definition of a technician with one of the smoothest pedals you'll see along with the eyes and feel to make frequent plays on the ball. He allowed just a 16.1 NFL QB Rating this past season.
🏈 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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