Chargers look to plug in 2026 draftees as starters early in NFL careers

The Chargers were extremely selective in free agency, resisting the urge to make splashy, big-money moves by focusing on much smaller additions.

Among the pickups from the outside were former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz, Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold and guard Cole Strange, and Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson.

The calculated approach could signal a couple of things: First, they might be bullish on some of their younger players stepping up to fill holes, most notably on the interior of their offensive line. Secondly, they believe the draft will produce some early starters at positions of need.

And one wild card: They maintained financial flexibility to make a big addition via a trade.

It’s likely a combination of all three, of course.

In any event, here is a look at the Chargers‘ three biggest needs, post free agency:

Offensive guard

The Chargers, who have had issues along the interior of their offensive line for multiple years, will start next season with an entirely rebuilt trio at center and both guard spots.

They did a solid job reacting to the retirement of center Bradley Bozeman by signing Biadasz, a five-year starter for the Cowboys and Commanders, but after releasing right guard Mekhi Becton and letting left guard Zion Johnson walk in free agency, they have major questions at guard.

Becton and Johnson had flaws, hence the Chargers moving on from both, but finding capable replacements, let alone upgrades, will be a challenge.

The club added veteran guard Strange in free agency, but he’s never lived up to the hype of being a first-round pick in 2022 and is coming off a down season with the Dolphins. Even if he’s a season-opening or seasonlong starter, he feels like a stopgap at this point.

Ensuring that means the Chargers hitting guard hard in the draft, and coming up with at least one, preferably two, short- and long-range options.

Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane would be an ideal pick at No. 22, although it would require him slipping a bit. 

On Day 2, Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M), Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon), Gennings Dunker (Iowa), Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech), Trey Zuhn III (Texas A&M), Anez Cooper (Miami), Jeremiah Wright (Auburn) and Jalen Farmer (Kentucky) are all options between the second and third rounds.

Edge rusher

Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack are an imposing one-two punch off the edge, with both able to wreak havoc as pass rushers.

But they need to create more pass rush from that position, and with the 35-year-old Mack being a year-to-year player at this point, they also need an heir apparent.

Also, Tuipulotu is going into the last year of his contract, and while it seems like a slam dunk the Chargers will keep him in Los Angeles on a lucrative extension, they have to prepare for all scenarios, including the possibility of having to replace him.

For all those reasons, expect edge rusher to be a big consideration for the Chargers.

Holding the 22nd pick overall, the Chargers won’t have access to the draft’s top pass rush prospects, with Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. all expected to be off the board within the first 12 to 15 picks.

However, they should be well positioned on the next wave of pass rushers, with Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Miami’s Akheem Mesidor and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk all possibilities at that part of the draft.

Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas, UCF’s Malachi Lawrence, Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Illinois’ Gabe Jacas, Miami’s Jaishawn Barham, Michigan’s Derrick Moore, Auburn’s  Keyron Crawford, Penn State’s Dani Dennis-Sutton, Texas Tech’s Romello Height, Wisconsin’s Mason Reiger, Texas’ Trey Moore and Tennessee’s Joshua Josephs are options for Day 2 and 3.

Interior defensive line

The Chargers added veteran Tomlinson in free agency, and while he’s coming off a down season in Arizona, he will add grit and toughness in the interior of their defensive line. They also re-signed Teair Tart.

It’s a step, but just a small one in the club’s need to beef up the middle of its defensive line.

Here’s an intriguing thought: With the Chargers being so selective in free agency, they remain $49.9 million under the salary cap, the third-most space in the NFL. Doing so leaves them in ideal position to make a big splash move, and with Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence asking for a trade this week, it could be a situation of opportunity and means meeting up in a way that allows the Chargers to add an impact player at a position of need.

How willing would new Giants boss John Harbaugh be to help out his brother Jim, the head coach of the Chargers, remains to be seen. But there is a deal-making precedent in place, with the brothers coming together on a trade that sent Chargers safety Alohi Gilman to the Ravens for edge rusher Odafe Oweh.

If Lawrence is truly available, expect the Chargers to at least kick the tires.

Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, Florida’s Caleb Banks and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald could be under consideration in the first round.

Georgia’s Christen Miller, Ole Miss’ Zxavian Harris, Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, Iowa State’s Domonique Orange, Texas A&M’s Tyler Onyedim and Albert Regis, Alabama’s  LT Overton, Missouri’s Chris McClellan and Florida State’s Darrell Jackson Jr. are players to keep an eye on during Day 2 and 3.

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