Breaking down the Los Angeles Chargers draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Kayden McDonald.
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The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off their second straight playoff appearance under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Unfortunately, both ended in one-and-done exits.
The most notable change for the Bolts this offseason has been the hiring of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. The goal is for him to help unlock more consistent play from Justin Herbert and the team’s talented young core of playmakers.
Of course, Herbert will need to be kept upright for that plan to come to fruition. The Chargers have already prioritized the trenches on both sides of the ball this offseason, and those areas are likely to remain key points of emphasis in the draft. Currently, L.A. only has five total draft picks, increasing the pressure on GM Joe Hertz and Harbaugh to make them count.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft picks, team needs and first-round mock drafts.
Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft Picks 2026
| Round | Overall | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | |
| 2 | 55 | |
| 3 | 86 | |
| 4 | 123 | |
| 6 | 204 |
Los Angeles Chargers NFL Draft Needs
Defensive Line
The Chargers have a glaring need in the middle of their defensive line entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The team resigned Teair Tart this offseason following his strong play against the run the last two years. Dalvin Tomlinson was also added in free agency who makes for a nice rotational piece, but he is 32 years old and coming off a down year. While 2025 third-rounder Jamaree Caldwell joined Tart in providing solid run defense, this group would sorely benefit from more pass-rushing ability.
Offensive Line
The Chargers’ offensive line was plagued by injuries last season and was effectively a disaster as a result. The carnage started before Week 1 began when Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending injury. The current depth chart lists no one behind Slater at left tackle. Joe Alt also only played six games last year before suffering an ankle injury. The interior has been completely revamped after the offseason additions of Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange, but the need for depth with upside at both guard and tackle remains entering the draft.
EDGE
One could argue that the Chargers will be fine for 2026 with their current edge group, but the need to formulate a plan beyond that exists. Tuli Tuipulotu is coming off the best year of his young career, but Odafe Oweh was lost in free agency. That leaves a pair of older veterans as the only sure things behind Tuipulotu in Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree. To that end, neither is a guaranteed option beyond this season.
Other Chargers Draft Needs
- Linebacker
- Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Chargers to approach the first round.
Chargers Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Los Angeles Chargers mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Chargers will select with the 22nd overall pick?
No. 22 | Chargers NFL Draft Pick
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami | ESPN
While this mock draft projection fails to address the Chargers’ top two positional needs, it does provide an immediate jolt to their pass rush. Akheem Mesidor is an older prospect, but that means he is seasoned and ready to contribute immediately. He has the power and speed to win around the edge and is an intelligent defensive playmaker.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson | CBS
Peter Woods’ athletic gifts were on full display in multiple tests at the NFL Combine and he would certainly fill a positional need for the Bolts up front. While he uses his quickness to get off of and around blocks well, he lacks a bit in terms of instinctual feel. He had a very strong 2024 season in college but failed to replicate his statistical production this past year.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State | NFL Network & FlurrySports
If the Chargers’ goal is to draft a defensive lineman who will make his presence felt in opposing backfields, Kayden McDonald is an excellent fit. He was a force to be reckoned with in college, and his ability to play with both leverage and instinct make him an intriguing NFL prospect.
Note that in the NFL Network mock draft, the Chargers actually are projected to trade down seven spots in a deal with the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs and still secure McDonald at that position.
