NFL 2026 Draft Review: Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers went 11-6 last season and qualified for the NFL Playoffs even though the team had to deal with major injuries all year long.

Both starting tackles on the offensive line missed most of the season due to injuries. Joe Alt only played in six games last year due to an ankle injury, and Rashawn Slater missed the entire season due to a knee injury.

Having both tackles back for this season is why the Chargers are very optimistic about their chances. If they would have had both tackles last season, then they would have been a legitimate Super Bowl contender. With eight new picks in this year's NFL Draft, Los Angeles will look to be back in the mix for this upcoming season.

Round 1, Pick 22: Akheem Mesidor - DE - Miami (FL). 6'3", 259 lbs (63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles).

Mesidor is strong at the point of attack against the run and the pass. He should start right away at defensive end. He also has the capability to line up at defensive tackle as well if the defense wants to switch up the strategy from time to time.

Round 2, Pick 31: Jake Slaughter - C - Florida. 6'5", 303 lbs.

Slaughter started at center the past three seasons for the Gators. He also played at guard in college as well. He will add depth to the interior of the offensive line.

Round 4, Pick 5: Brenen Thompson - WR - Mississippi State. 5'9", 164 lbs (57 rec, 1,054 yds, 18.5 yds/rec, 1 rush TD, 44 punt return yds).

Thompson ended up running the fastest 40 time at the NFL Combine at 4.26 seconds. His speed will help to take the top off of opposing defenses, which will open up space for the other receivers. The Chargers could possibly try him out as a returner as well due to his speed.

Round 4, Pick 17: Travis Burke - OT - Memphis. 6'8", 325 lbs.

Burke will compete for a backup tackle spot since Alt and Slater will be returning this season. Burke will also help along the offensive in short-yardage situations due to his length at 6'8".

Round 4, Pick 31: Genesis Smith - S - Arizona. 6'2", 202 lbs (77 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 8 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries).

Smith will have to fight for his spot on the roster as a backup strong safety in a deep secondary. He has the capability to make big plays against the run or against the pass.

Round 5, Pick 5: Nick Barrett - DT - South Carolina. 6'2", 312 lbs (42 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).

Barrett should see some time as a backup defensive tackle for Los Angeles.

Round 6, Pick 21: Logan Taylor - G - Boston College. 6'7", 314 lbs.

Taylor has started at guard and at tackle during his college career. He will be given time to develop behind a stacked offensive line.

Round 6, Pick 25: Alex Harkey - G - Oregon. 6'6", 308 lbs.

Harkey played at tackle in college, but was listed as a guard when announced at the Draft. He will be given time to develop as well.

Overview: The roster for Los Angeles is already pretty much set. The only real need was filled with the first pick with Mesidor on the defensive line. Loading up at offensive line depth was absolutely necessary after the injuries from last season. The Chargers did what they had to do in this Draft.

Grade: C+.